Dark Nadir 

Dark Nadir 

Copyright © 1999 by Lisanne Norman. 
All Rights Reserved. Cover art by Romas Kukalis. 
Maps by Michael Gilbert. 
DAW Book Collectors No. 1114. 
DAW Books are distributed by Penguin Putnam Inc. 
All characters and events in this book are fictitious 
Any resemblance to persons living or dead is strictly coincidental. 
If you purchase this book without a cover you should be aware that this book may have been stolen property and reported as"unsold and 
destroyed" to the publisher. In such case neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this "stripped book." 
First Printing, March 1999 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 
DAW TRADEMARK REGISTERED U.S. PAT. OFF. AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES —MARCA REGISTRADAHECHO EN U.S.A. 
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. 


This book is for Judith Faul Dumont, who is one of the very few people who can journey to Shola with 
me when I'm writing. 
Her help and support over the years have been tremendous as well as great fun. 
It's also for her husband Chris, a very talented Game Master who's helped me solve a tricky problem or 
three over the years. Thank you both very much. 


A few special thanks are in order, as usual. 


To James Chorlton, aka Merlin, and Helen Lofting for letting me consult them on matters as diverse as 
the composition of space fleets and designing starships to tactics and very dirty tricks—and rescuing 
my 
computer when it crashes! 


To John Van Stry for information on rearing large felines. 


To Josh for his knowledge of military trauma medicine 
and ballistics. 


Thanks also to the many friends who've sat and brainstormed with me at conventions—Sherrie, Keith, 
and Pauline to name only three. 


And finally, thanks to Mike Gilbert for his drawings 
of my aliens which truly inspired me when I came to 
write about them. 


PROLOGUE 

NO sooner had the young Sumaan pilot, Ashay, landed the shuttle back at the Hkariyash than he was 
ordered to return to the U'Churian vessel, the Rryuk's Profit. 

"They have need of the Human medications on board their shuttle," said Captain Kishasayzar, speaking 
to him in their own language over the comm. "Carrie Aldatan has been seriously injured. Place yourself 
under Captain Tirak's orders for now. Their vessel may need protection until this fighting stops." 

"As you command, Captain," replied Ashay, regretfully eyeing the groups of guerrillas and Bradogan's 
troops still engaged in sporadic fighting around the port gateways. "Do you not need protection?" he 
asked hopefully, lowering his long neck until his head was level with the view screen. 

"Negative. Like all other Traders, we're keeping to ourselves. 
This is an internal matter now that they 
are no longer targeting us." 

With a sigh, Ashay lifted off and headed down to where the Profit was berthed. The news of Carrie's 
injury saddened 
him. He'd liked the small Human female. 


"Shuttle Venture to Rryuk's Profit," he said, toggling the comm unit. "Permission to land for protective 
duties. Requested 
medical supplies on board but need your crew to unload." 

"Shuttle Venture to Rryuk's Profit," he said, toggling the comm unit. "Permission to land for protective 
duties. Requested 
medical supplies on board but need your crew to unload." 

The next half hour saw a nonstop procession of personnel 
carrying supplies from the shuttle to the sick 
bay. Jo, the Human female, supervised the proceedings, rushing between 
the two locations, relaying 
what little news there was on Carrie's condition to Ashay to pass on to their compan-ions on the 
Hkariyash. As soon as the transfer was completed, 
Captain Tirak ordered Ashay to clear the landing 
pad and return to his own ship. 

In the sick bay, as he worked frantically on the unconscious 
Carrie, Kaid was vaguely aware of the 
sounds of the ramp retracting and the hatches closing as the Profit began to ready herself for takeoff. 
They'd reach their rendezvous in two weeks. Only two weeks, half the normal time, but it would be too 
long for Carrie unless she was put in one of the Profit's cryogenic units. 

From the moment he realized she'd been injured in the fight with the spaceport officials, he'd locked his 
feelings behind a wall. The life of this fragile Human female, and that of her partner Kusac, lay in his 
hands. Kusac: her Leska, his sword-brother—together the three of them were the first Human and 
Sholan En'Shalla Triad, bound tele-pathically to each other. Without them, he was incomplete. 

He fastened off the dressing, touching his fingertips briefly to her flesh. Still too hot. The drugs should 
have brought her temperature down by now. For an instant, he felt curiously disembodied as he saw his 
dark-furred hand against her pale skin. With a wrench, he pulled himself back. There was no more he 
could do; she would only deteriorate if he waited any longer. She needed surgery, and she couldn't get 
that until they reached their rendezvous. 
Sighing, he carefully disconnected the drip from the cannula and 
picked her up, carrying her over to the far side of the room where two of the cryo units stood open and 
waiting. Placing her on the contoured mattress, he stepped back. He'd done all he could. The rest was up 
to the U'Churian medic, Mrowbay. Now it was time to treat his sword-brother. 

Kusac sat watching him on one of the adjacent beds. For a wonder, he'd managed to remain conscious 
despite suffering the full measure of her pain through their Link. The Venture's basic medikit lay open on 
the bed beside him. He'd dosed himself with an analgesic, but Kaid knew he hadn't taken nearly enough. 
He looked bad. Against the blackness of his pelt, the skin surrounding his nose and eyes was deathly 
pale and his ears were lying back, invisible among his hair. The mental link Kusac and Carrie had meant 
he would also have to travel in cryo. 

"Kusac, let me give you the premed now," he said, reaching 
for the hypoderm from the medikit. 

His friend's amber eyes, though dulled with pain, held his steadily. "No, Kaid. I want to be aware of her 
till the last. I'll wait till Mrowbay's done." 

Reluctantly he laid the hypoderm down and sat beside his sword-brother. "She'll be fine—you both will. 
Two weeks, then we'll have the facilities and surgeons of the M'Zekko to treat her." 

Kusac nodded slowly. "Wake me first. I don't want her coming out of cryo and not sensing me 
immediately." 

"When you're ready," Mrowbay said finally, looking round at Kusac. 

After giving Kusac his shot, Kaid helped him to his feet, supporting him as they walked slowly over to the 
second unit. 


Kaid, I know you're blocking us out now, sent Kusac, but later, if you sense her pain, for the Gods' 
sake, don't try to cope. Use the third cryo chamber. Let T'Chebbi watch us. She's got Jo and Rezac 
to call on if she needs help. Vartra can't have meant the U'Churians when he spoke of you 
making 
a pact with the Liege of Hell. 

Kaid, I know you're blocking us out now, sent Kusac, but later, if you sense her pain, for the Gods' 
sake, don't try to cope. Use the third cryo chamber. Let T'Chebbi watch us. She's got Jo and Rezac 
to call on if she needs help. Vartra can't have meant the U'Churians when he spoke of you 
making 
a pact with the Liege of Hell. 

"Two weeks, Kaid." Kusac's voice was barely audible and Kaid had to lean forward to hear him. "Find 
out what Tirak was up to in that time. I'll want to know." 

CHAPTER 1 

Day 1 

CRYO, the long night without end, the cold from between the stars. Heartbeat and breathing decelerate 
as the chill gradually seeps deep into flesh and bones, robbing them of warmth, of movement. Thoughts 
slow, messages no longer being sent to limbs and organs as the mind pulls itself back, retreating from the 
bitter cold till all that remains is a tiny spark of consciousness poised between life and death. Cryo sleep, 
the temporary death, where nothing stirs, no breath, no thought—no dreams. 

With Nayash, his pilot, recovering from a wounded flank, Captain Tirak had asked Kaid to help out on 
the bridge during takeoff. Now that they were under way, Kaid needed to check up on his people. The 
mess area where they were waiting was adjacent to the sick bay, but inexorably 
his feet led him back 
there. Saying he was checking up on Zashou would fool no one, least of all himself, but he had to see 
them once more—had to know that Carrie and Kusac were all right. He'd grown so used to their 
presences within his mind that their absence left him feeling unsettled. These feelings were so foreign to 
him that it was with relief he saw that Zashou was still asleep. It was hard enough for him to cope without 
having to explain it to someone else. 

It was Carrie's unit he went to first. He looked through the cover, feeling instantly protective of her. She 
looked as if Khuushoi, Goddess of Winter, had embraced her, turning her flesh as pale as the snow on 
the Dzahai Mountains. Memories of taking Carrie there to visit his home sprang into his mind. It was 
there, once he'd fully accepted his place in their lives as their third, that he and Carrie had finally become 
lovers. 

Through the pale cream fabric of her shift, the bloodstained 
dressing across her belly and side showed 
up starkly. Instinctively his mind reached out for hers, pushing aside the barriers behind which he'd been 
hiding. He could sense nothing. His hand shook slightly as his fingertips brushed the surface of the unit, 
caressing it as if it were her he touched. Mrowbay had spread her long blonde hair carefully on the 
pillow. He remembered how soft it felt, so unlike his own Sholan hair. Then he sensed the U'Churian 
captain watching him from the doorway. 

"Mrowbay says she's stable," said Captain Tirak, "and safe. But you know that since you treated her. 
Excuse my curiosity, but you obviously care very deeply for her. Are you and her mate related? 
Brothers, perhaps? I know they're a mind-linked pair." 

"Brothers. Yes," Kaid replied distractedly as a prescient fear he'd never known before swept through 
him. Turning to look at Tirak, he did a double take, thinking for a brief moment he saw Kusac standing 
there. The outward physical similarities between their species were uncanny. Pushing his fear aside with 
an effort, he retreated again behind his mental 
shields. "Her mother died in cryo when her family 
journeyed 
to their colony world." 


Tirak made a sympathetic noise, his mouth creasing in a Humanlike grimace. "A tragedy, but it couldn't 
happen on the Profit, believe me. Any disruption of the cryo system is instantly reported by the 
computer. The units even have an integral backup system, capable of lifesupport in space in the event of 
a disaster. They can be launched automatically 
from the bridge, or manually from in here." He pointed to 
the wall behind the units. 

Tirak made a sympathetic noise, his mouth creasing in a Humanlike grimace. "A tragedy, but it couldn't 
happen on the Profit, believe me. Any disruption of the cryo system is instantly reported by the 
computer. The units even have an integral backup system, capable of lifesupport in space in the event of 
a disaster. They can be launched automatically 
from the bridge, or manually from in here." He pointed to 
the wall behind the units. 

Gun instantly in his hand, Kaid leaped past Tirak and was in the corridor before it stopped. 

"False alarm, Captain." Sheeowl's voice on the ship's comm echoed throughout the deck. "Was only 
Kate. She just met her first Cabbaran." 

In the center of the corridor, standing almost upright on its haunches, was indeed a Cabbaran. Kaid 
recognized it instantly from the description Captain Kishasayzar had given them. Kate stood facing the 
alien, her body frozen in horror. 

"We have more passengers, Annuur." Tirak spoke calmly to the Cabbaran. "Badly injured ones. That's 
why the change in destination." 

As Annuur turned slowly to face them, Kaid understood Kate's reaction. Standing just short of four feet 
tall, the being before him was unlike any he'd seen before. Obviously 
a quadruped, and certainly 
vegetarian, his long, yellow 
incisors were just visible behind an almost prehensile upper lip. Forward 
facing eyes regarded him steadily from beneath a narrow stiff crest of dark hair that ran the length of his 
skull and down his neck. The same hair was spread out in a ruff across his shoulders and again over his 
flanks. The sandy body fur had been shaved from the sides of his face and shoulder so that the intricately 
colored tattoos could be clearly seen. 

The lip quivered and Kaid heard him begin to chitter. A flat, mechanical voice started to speak in 
U'Churian. 

"Nourishment dispensers empty," Annuur's translator intoned. 
"Is breach of contract, Captain." 

"See to it, Sheeowl," Tirak ordered the crew female hovering 
beside the frightened girl. "Take Kate to 
the mess first. My apologies, Annuur. As I said, we had injured to see to and needed to depart from 
Jalna quickly. There was no need for you to leave avionics, you could have used the comm—or were 
you just curious about our guests?" 

The ruff of fur across the Cabbaran's shoulders bushed out for a moment before settling again. Annuur's 
teeth made a clicking noise and his top lip curled expressively. A sharp burst of sound followed. The 
translator remained silent. 

"Captain." Nayash, the white dressing over his wounded thigh vivid against his long, black pelt, now 
stood where Kate and Sheeowl had been. He raised an arm and flung something through the air to Tirak 
who caught it deftly. 

"You won't need your weapon," Tirak said quietly in an aside to Kaid as he stepped past him. "This is 
Annuur, leader of our Cabbaran navigation sept. All right, you opportunist," 
he said, his tone becoming 
lighter. "One pack— and only one—to make up for your discomfort." He held his hand, palm open, out 
toward the Cabbaran. In it lay a brightly decorated tubular container. 

The mobile lip curled upward in disdain. "Your insult remains," intoned the translator. 

Tirak gestured to Kaid to join him. Holstering his gun, he did so. 


"This is Kaid, the leader of our guests." 

"This is Kaid, the leader of our guests." 

The hand that reached out to take the captain's bribe was spatulate in shape, with four fingers tipped by 
broad, horny claws. Almost delicately, the fingers closed around the tube and removed it. 

"Candy. A children's treat back on Home," Tirak said softly to Kaid. "They can't get enough of the stuff. 
Comes in useful now and then." 

Kaid noticed that Annuur wore a multi-pocketed utility belt not unlike the one the Sholan Forces used, 
save that the Cabbaran's was held in place by shoulder straps. It was into one of these pockets that 
Annuur placed his tube. 

"Maybe talk later," he said, lowering his upper body to the ground before sedately trotting past them and 
down the corridor to the main access elevator. 

"Time we talked," said Kaid, his voice grim. He wanted to know what Tirak had been doing with a 
mixed Leska pair not only on board his ship,1 but held in cryo until a couple of hours ago. 

"The rest of your people are next door in the mess waiting 
for you," said Tirak, gesturing in the same 
direction the Cabbaran had taken. "When you're satisfied they're safe, one of my crew will escort you to 
my office so we can talk." 

Remaining near the closed doorway, Kaid looked over at T'Chebbi. "Report," he said, in the highland 
patois that they'd both grown up using. 

"All rescued personnel save Zashou seem healthy but undernourished—want them checked up in sick 
bay because 
of laalquoi levels in food they ate on Jalna. Younglings 
were waiting on Keiss for transport 
to Shola when were kidnapped by a Valtegan officer. Killed him, but cost them their captain and 
damaged the scouter. Were found by Ambassador Taira's ship. Tirak rescued them from Taira at Tuushu 
Station—where we're going. He put them in cryo while on Jalna to stop us contacting them 
telepathically." 

Kaid moved into the center of the room. Kate was about Carrie's height, her pleasant round face framed 
by a mass of short mid-brown curls. The male, Taynar, was barely older than her. He'd obviously 
inherited the warm gray-brown pelt coloring of his family. "What did the Chemeri-ans want?" he asked, 
though he could make bets on what the answer would be. 

"Why should we tell you?" demanded Kate. "You're one of them, a U'Churian." 

Kaid glanced at T'Chebbi who raised a sardonic eye ridge in reply. 

"I haven't told them," she said, reverting to lowland Sho-lan like Kaid. 

We're Sholan, he sent to the girl and her Leska. Posing as U'Churians. We were sent to rescue you. 

Taynar hissed his disbelief as Kaid joined them at the dining table. "Telepaths can't fight." 

"He's your bond-brother," snapped T'Chebbi. "Show a Clan elder proper respect!" 

"My bond-brother?" Taynar was startled into sitting up. "How? My sister died years ago!" 


"So your father would have you believe," said Kaid. "Khemu died only a few months ago, bonded to me. 
Our son lives on the Valsgarth estate. Like us, he's a member of the En'Shalla Aldatan Clan now." 

"So your father would have you believe," said Kaid. "Khemu died only a few months ago, bonded to me. 
Our son lives on the Valsgarth estate. Like us, he's a member of the En'Shalla Aldatan Clan now." 
" 
"The Chemerians wanted a mixed Leska pair for themselves," 
interrupted Kate. "Taira said he'd met 
Carrie and Kusac on the Khalossa." 


Kaid nodded. As he'd thought. Ambassador Taira had shown an unhealthy interest in his Triad partners 
while on board the Khalossa. Opportunity had presented itself, and Taira was not one to let it slip by. 
"How did Tirak get involved?" He watched the female's jaw tighten as she lifted her chin defiantly. 


"I made him," she said shortly, gray eyes flashing. "We thought they were Sholans at first." 


He raised his eye ridges in respect. "No wonder they were so wary of telepaths. I presume you gave 
them their mental blocks." 
"I was as much to blame as Kate," interrupted Taynar sullenly. "He promised to return us to Shola. I 


thought it a fair price." 
Kaid ignored the challenge in the youth's voice. Faced with few alternatives, they'd had little option but to 
agree to Tirak's demand. "No one is faulting you," he said. "You handled a difficult situation very well." 


He turned his attention 
to the other side of the room where Rezac sat. This was his first real opportunity 
to meet the male, who, despite being half his age, was his father. 
They weren't that alike, he thought, surveying the younger male. How could Jaisa have seen a 


resemblance? There were superficial similarities, true, but they were just that. They both had the 
distinctive broader and lower set ears of the highland Clans, and the brown pelt, but… 
"Are you related?" asked Jo suddenly, looking from one to the other. "You look very alike." 


"Hardly," snapped Rezac. "I'm from his far past! Fifteen hundred years ago to be exact." 
Kaid could feel T'Chebbi's gaze burning into him as she waited for his answer. "Highland Clans always 
tended to breed among their own. It's a possibility," he said, trying to avoid her scathing look. He 
touched the edges of Rezac's mind with his, instantly aware of the link between him and Jo. "You've 
formed a Triad," he,said, surprised, glancing back at the dark-haired Human female. 


Jo flushed and looked away. 
"You know about these links?" Rezac's antagonism was quiet for now in his desire to learn more. 
"We have two mixed Leska Triads back on the estate." 
"That's why you can fight," said Taynar. "I knew tele-paths with a Human Leska were able to fight, but I 


hadn't realized it affected the Triads as well." 


He was getting drawn in deeper than he wanted here, but there was no point in dodging the issue. A 
simple answer 
would do for now. "That's so," he admitted. 
"With Carrie and Kusac?" asked Jo, concern in her voice. "How awful for you. You must be feeling 


pretty bad right now with both of them in cryo." 
"What are these Triads?" demanded Rezac impatiently. "What causes them?" 



"The bonds began forming after the Cataclysm for a mixture 
of reasons. For the better protection of 
small breeding groups of Talented, and because of Vartra's work with genetics. 
You and Zashou were 
one of the original enhanced Leska pairs, so it's not surprising you should form a Triad once you'd been 
exposed to Vartra's modern virus." 

"The bonds began forming after the Cataclysm for a mixture 
of reasons. For the better protection of 
small breeding groups of Talented, and because of Vartra's work with genetics. 
You and Zashou were 
one of the original enhanced Leska pairs, so it's not surprising you should form a Triad once you'd been 
exposed to Vartra's modern virus." 

"Not the original work Rezac was involved with," said Kaid. "It's due to his genetic manipulations after 
you were taken by the Valtegans." 

"You know, your talk is full of wrong-spoors," said Rezac, an edge of ice in his voice. "You might fool 
your own people with all this speculation about what Vartra did, but I lived then. I knew him! How could 
he possibly have done anything that would link Human and Sholan DNA?" 

A small, purring chuckle from Taynar broke the tension. 

"I've just realized what it was about you that seemed familiar," the youth said to Kaid. "You're the Triad 
that went back to the times of Vartra, aren't you? You met with the God. That's why you're En'Shalla." 

Rezac laughed out loud at this, but there was no humor in his laughter. "You expect me to believe that? 
Just because 
this isn't my time doesn't make me an idiot!" 

Abruptly, Kaid got to his feet. He'd heard enough. There might be a blood tie between him and Rezac, 
but that was all. This male was as unlike him as anyone could be. What could he possibly have in 
common with this arrogant and undisciplined young male who had fathered him so very long ago? 

"I was able to tell Vartra that you and Zashou were safe and alive in our time," he said. "Zylisha was 
worried for her sister. The news put her mind at rest. You might tell Zashou that when you see her next. 
And that Vartra and her sister life-bonded." He turned aside from the Sholan to look at the Human 
beside him. "Jo, I have to join Captain 
Tirak now. I'll debrief you on your mission after I've spoken to 
him. You're in charge till I return." He gestured to T'Chebbi to join him as he began to walk toward the 
door. 

A chair scraped on the floor. "I want to know what's going on, too," said Rezac, the belligerence back in 
full measure. 

"You'll remain here till I return," Kaid said unequivocally, 
coming to a stop and turning to look at him. 
"The situation with Tirak is delicate and requires a knowledge of current Alliance politics." 

"I know a hell of a lot more about the Valtegans than you do!" 

"That's of no consequence at the moment. Your information 
is fifteen hundred years out of date, Rezac, 
and has nothing to do with this. Stay here with the other civilians." 

"Don't order me about! I've as much right to be involved as you," the young male snarled, tail lashing 
from side to side as he unconsciously lowered his body into a crouch. 

T'Chebbi's hand closed briefly on Raid's wrist. "I'll stay," she said quietly. 

Kaid flicked an ear in reluctant agreement. "Sit down, Rezac," he ordered. "You want my credentials? 
I'm in charge of this mission, and cleared by Sholan High Command 
for First Contact negotiations. 
You're just another civilian as far as I'm concerned. T'Chebbi will stay with you." He stalked over to the 
door, slapping his hand on the air lock mechanism. When it opened, he strode out into the corridor 
where Manesh, Tirak's security officer, stood waiting for him. 


T'Chebbi moved smoothly to block the door as it closed. "Suggest you relax, make some drinks, 
experiment with food, and get to know each other," she said to the small group. "Ship not big, these 
quarters even smaller. Will take us two weeks to reach rendezvous. Better if we get on with each other." 

T'Chebbi moved smoothly to block the door as it closed. "Suggest you relax, make some drinks, 
experiment with food, and get to know each other," she said to the small group. "Ship not big, these 
quarters even smaller. Will take us two weeks to reach rendezvous. Better if we get on with each other." 

"Sister T'Chebbi of the Brotherhood of Vartra, member of the En'Shalla Aldatan Clan," she replied, 
keeping her tone even. 

"A priestess," he sneered. "You think you can stop me? Go ahead and use the gun, then!" 

"Rezac," said Jo warningly as he moved to push T'Chebbi aside. "That's not a good idea. I told you 
things are different now. The Brotherhood is a Warrior elite, not just a religious Order. They're specialist 
fighters. Kaid and T'Chebbi are Carrie's and Kusac's bodyguards. Friends. We can trust them. They 
came to rescue us, didn't they?" 

T'Chebbi watched him hesitate. "Art of warrior is to know when to fight," she said quietly. "And whom. 
Not now, on alien vessel, with injured comrades. Are you a warrior, or just a fighter?" 

As Kaid settled himself in the chair indicated, he watched Tirak pull the tab on the container he was 
holding. 

"A hot drink," Tirak said, offering it to him. "The one your colleague Carrie enjoyed in the inn. Didn't 
think you'd want a fermented one yet." 

Kaid accepted it, tasting the beverage cautiously. Not too bad—a bit sweet for his taste, but drinkable, 
and certainly preferable to alcohol. Right now he needed the energy the sweetener in it would give him. 
He waited, sipping the drink, knowing Tirak's first questions would tell him how much he knew, or had 
guessed, about them. 

"So, what species do the two hairless females belong to? Human or Solnian?" the U'Churian asked after 
a moment or two. "And are your species dependent on each other? Do you come from the same world?" 

"They're Humans. Tell me, Captain, why is a military ship and its crew posing as traders in this sector?" 

Tirak feigned surprise. "Posing? You have us wrong, Kaid. I'll admit our craft is a decommissioned 
military one, but we are just what we seem, traders." 

Kaid shrugged, a very U'Churian gesture, and putting his drink down, got to his feet. "Thank you for your 
hospitality, 
Captain Tirak, but I think I should check in again on the Sholan female in your sick bay," he 
said. "She was asleep when I was last there." 

"You can't push me aside like that!" exclaimed Tirak, ears flicking forward. "I put myself and my crew on 
the line for you—Nayash was injured in the fight at the spaceport! 1 let your people come on board, 
fetch medical supplies for the injured females, let another of them join us—I deserve answers, dammit! I 
want to know what's going on!" 

Schooling his face into a look he knew the other would interpret as one of surprise and confusion, Kaid 
hesitated. "Going on? I know as much about what happened planet-side as you do, Captain Tirak. My 
people were caught up with yours when Bradogan attacked us." 

Tirak's face froze. "Don't take me for a fool, Kaid. You came here with members of two unknown alien 
species on a rescue mission. Kusac may look like us, but he's no U'Churian—his link to the Human 
female proves he's as Sholan as Taynar! Then there are the others in your little group! And I have severe 


doubts about which species you belong to, especially since you admitted to being his brother! Do I have 
to go on?" 

doubts about which species you belong to, especially since you admitted to being his brother! Do I have 
to go on?" 

"Alien to whom? Us? Or you Sholans? Don't try my patience or you might find my hospitality is suddenly 
withdrawn," 
Tirak snarled, baring his teeth. "Your position is far from strong. You have perhaps one 
able-bodied companion, 
the rest are civilians suffering from malnutrition and exhaustion." 

"Don't threaten me," said Kaid quietly. "I could take the information I want straight from your mind, 
despite the primitive blocks the younglings gave you. Instead, I do you the courtesy of asking." 

Tirak's low rumble of anger began to build. With an obvious 
effort, he remained seated as the mane of 
black hair rose around his face. 

"Brawling like troopers is hardly appropriate for people of our rank," Kaid said, his voice now deathly 
quiet. "First Contact is better left to the diplomats of the Rhijissoh when they reach Jalna, it's too delicate 
a matter to be argued over with mere traders." He turned and walked toward the door. 

"Wait!" The growl was gone from Tirak's voice and his hair had begun to settle around his shoulders 
again. "You say a ship goes to Jalna to make First Contact?" 

"It's not your concern, Captain," said Kaid, keeping his back to the U'Churian as he rested his hand 
against the bulkhead. "By your own admission, you are, after all, only a trader." He afforded him a glance 
over his shoulder. 

"How do I know this isn't another lie?" 

Again Kaid shrugged. "Confirmation will be waiting at our rendezvous." 

Tirak's snarl almost drowned his words. "May Kathan himself damn you! Drugs! That's why we're here! 
Because of an illegal drugs trade!" 

Kaid had to widen his ears to catch the words within the snarled reply. He took a couple of paces back 
toward the desk and waited. 

"Drugs that turn the users psychotic and violent for days after they've used them—drugs that only started 
appearing a few years ago." 

Kaid returned to his chair. "And you think the Chemeri-ans are involved." 

"Some," admitted Tirak. The knuckles on the hand that held his drink showed white through his pelt and 
the can had begun to buckle slightly. This was his only outward sign of anger now. "Your turn. Why were 
your people on Jalna?" 

Kaid regarded him thoughtfully. What to tell him? His Triad was empowered to commence Contact 
negotiations if it proved necessary, so perhaps the truth was best. "Two Valtegan shuttles landed here 
several months ago. One crashed outside the port after dropping off an object, the other landed to sell 
four Sholans in exchange for supplies and spares. We sent a team, consisting of three Humans, to locate 
the crashed vehicle and discover what it had left behind. They went missing. Our mission was to rescue 
not only them, but the original four Sholans." 

"The Valtegans." Tirak sat back in his chair. "What's your quarrel with them?" 


"All life on two colony worlds wiped out," said Kaid grimly. "Millions of Sholans dead. We don't know 
why, we don't know how, and worst of all, we don't know where they come from. We didn't even know 
they existed until then." 

"All life on two colony worlds wiped out," said Kaid grimly. "Millions of Sholans dead. We don't know 
why, we don't know how, and worst of all, we don't know where they come from. We didn't even know 
they existed until then." 

"With a weapon like that, they're a threat to all species. That's why we were following up on the crashed 
vessel— in the hope we'd find something to give us a clue about where their home world is. They 
subjugated Keiss, the world the Humans had colonized, without destroying them, and used them as 
slaves, but the Valtegans we captured there died rather than communicate with us. They were ferocious 
warriors. It was literally kill or be killed with them. We destroyed them all, save for one ship."' 

"The one that came to Jalna." 

Kaid inclined his head in an affirmative gesture. "We knew nothing about Jalna—or about the species 
who trade here—until the Chemerians told us the Valtegan ship had been sighted." 

Tirak began scratching his ear thoughtfully. "A Valtegan ship calls here every fifty years or so, but they 
come only to take samples of crops and food animals. One left just before this craft you mention arrived. 
What the Jalnians get in return, my people were unable to find out. The Chemerians have trading 
agreements with you?" 

"More," said Kaid, his tone reflecting his feelings toward their two-faced allies. "Treaties for our mutual 
defense that are several hundred years old. We represent an Alliance of five species." 

The U'Churian's jaw fell open in shock. "By Kathan's beard! The double-dealing…" 

"Conniving, tree-climbing little bastards," Kaid finished for him. 

A slow grin split Tirak's face. He leaned forward to edge Kaid's abandoned drink closer to him. "As you 
say. Against you, their duplicity goes further than with us. We've only been dealing with them for about 
fifty years. The young couple, we found them on Tuushu Station. They had just discovered they were the 
prisoners, not the guests of Ambassador Taira Khebo and they—persuaded—us to rescue them." 

"So they told me. There are strict laws governing the use of telepathy among our kind and they broke 
them. You have my government's apology on their behalf." 

"Yet your people broke the same laws." There was a hardness in Tirak's voice. 

"Sometimes it's necessary for certain individuals to be empowered to operate outside the law." Kaid's 
voice was a gentle purr. "But you know that, don't you—Captain?" 

Tirak chose not to respond and Kaid knew he'd made his point. 

"The Chemerians implied that beyond their own colonies, 
we were their only market," the U'Churian 
continued 
instead. 

"I suspect," said Kaid, picking up his drink, "that we will discover some of our latest imports are goods 
obtained from Jalna and your—Free Traders Alliance?" 

"Free Traders' Council," corrected the captain, relaxing back into his chair. "Then we will have to draft 
trade agreements and more with this Sholan vessel." 


Kaid finished his drink and set the empty container down on the table between them. "I would say that 
negotiations have already started, wouldn't you, Captain Tirak?" 

Kaid finished his drink and set the empty container down on the table between them. "I would say that 
negotiations have already started, wouldn't you, Captain Tirak?" 

Rezac glowered at the youngling. He was still high on adrenaline from the fight at the spaceport, and 
worse: with his Leska mind-mate Zashou sedated in sick bay, his Link to Jo had reasserted itself, 
demanding their unfinished business 
be concluded. He was frustrated almost beyond endurance 
on 
both counts. 

Jo's hand closed on his arm. He's only making conversation, 
trying to be friendly. He's terrified, 
just like his Leska. 

He clenched his hand into a fist, forcing his claws into the flesh of his palms in an effort not to respond to 
her touch. / know. I'm trying, dammit, but you know what's wrong with me—with us! Unable to 
completely suppress it, a shudder of pleasure at her touch ran through him. 'Dzaedoh," he said through 
clenched teeth. "Likely you'll not have heard of us." 

"Noni's kin?" the youth said in surprise. 

T'Chebbi moved over to sit opposite Rezac and Jo. "Link day?" she asked sympathetically. "Are rooms 
made ready for us through the door." She jerked an ear to her right. "Go, take one now. See to your 
own needs. You put it off long enough." When he hesitated, she added, "That's an order, Warrior. I don't 
need what you and your third are broadcasting. Neither does anyone else." 

Relief flooded through him. He could see to their Link needs without feeling he was neglecting what he 
saw as his duty. It was good not to be the one with the final responsibility 
for once. He got to his feet, 
urging Jo to accompany 
him. 

Giyesh was waiting in the corridor outside. She directed them to a cabin opposite the medic's office. As 
the door closed behind them, Rezac relaxed the control he'd been fighting so hard to maintain. Reaching 
for Jo, he circled her waist with one arm, stroking the dark hair that crowned her head with his other 
hand. Breathing in her scent, he began to purr as their minds started to merge. 

"Ah, you feel it too," he whispered in her ear as his tongue gently rasped against her jawline. "After the 
battle, the need to pair with one you love, to know you are both still alive. Zashou despised that in me." 

"She's not a Warrior," Jo murmured, turning her face so their lips met, her fingers already beginning to 
unfasten the belt that held his tunic at the waist. 

His tail flicked around her legs, holding them close against his. "You Humans are not so unlike us," he 
purred. 

* * * 

With a start and a cry, Kaid woke, Carrie's name on his lips as he sat bolt upright in bed. He shivered, 
chilled to the bone despite his sweat-soaked pelt. 

T'Chebbi loomed over him with an extra blanket. "Bad dreams again?" she asked. 

He took it gratefully, wrapping it round his shoulders for the time being. "More," he said, clenching his 
teeth to stop them from chattering. He looked around the dimly lit cabin. "Where's Giyesh?" 


T'Chebbi shrugged. "Maybe still on duty." 

T'Chebbi shrugged. "Maybe still on duty." 

"Carrie?" T'Chebbi sat down beside him, her nose creasing 
in worry as she flicked her long gray-brown 
plait over her shoulder. "That's not possible. Cryo is a nothingness. Drugs make you sleep first, you don't 
even feel the cold. Then you wake, and it's over." 

He looked up, catching her gaze with his. "I was somewhere 
else, T'Chebbi, somewhere deadly 
cold—and she was there. I usually feel warmth from our crystal, but it's been cold since we put her in 
cryo. Until now." His hand emerged from the blanket, holding out the crystal he always wore. "Feel it." 

Leaning forward, she touched it gingerly with her forefinger. 
With an exclamation of shock, she pulled 
her hand sharply away. 

He let the crystal fall back within the blanket, smiling wryly. "You felt it—too warm for just my body 
heat, isn't it?" 

"You told me Carrie sensed her mother dying in cryo. Is it possible that the Talented stay aware? That 
they don't sleep?" 

"Never heard of it happening. It could be a Human trait," he replied. 

She grunted. "What was the dream?" 

"Only what I told you. Just being in this bitterly cold place and sensing Carrie and her fear. The sooner 
we get to Tuushu Station, the better. She's terrified of cryo, T'Chebbi." 

"She's safe asleep," she said, her tone soothing as she touched his face briefly. "Can I get you anything? 
A hot drink? You should try to sleep again." 

"Nothing, thank you," he said automatically, then hesitated. 
He wasn't fooling either of them. "Join me. 
I'd like your company. Who's on sentry duty in the mess?" 

"Taynar and Kate. Slept long enough in cryo, they said. Tallis is on graveyard shift." 

"Should have left him on the Hkariyash," he grumbled, glad to be dealing with more familiar issues as she 
slipped into the bed beside him. "He's more trouble than all the others put together. He's done nothing but 
complain since he came on board." Pulling the blanket from his shoulders, he leaned over to drop it on 
the floor. T'Chebbi snagged it from him. 

"We use this," she said, spreading it over him. "You feel like you been in cryo. We can manage Tallis. His 
mind is sickened after what the Valtegans did to him. He needs help more than anything." 

He lay down, grateful for her warmth and company; it was helping dissipate the frozen images of his 
nightmare. As his shivering stopped, he could feel her soundless purr. 

"You only had to ask if you wanted to join me," he said awkwardly. "You have the right—you are my 
Companion." He was finding it difficult to cope with his need for her company and the desire for Carrie's 
he was walling away. 

"Sleep," she said, wrapping her arm across his chest and tucking her nose under his chin. 

* * * 


It had come as a shock to Jeran to find himself on Giy-esh's ship, almost as big a shock as it had to her, 
judging from her expression when they came face-to-face in the landing bay. Later, she'd managed to see 
him alone for long enough to arrange this meeting in the unused mess on the second deck. Sitting there at 
the main table, nursing a hot drink, he wondered why he'd come. 

It had come as a shock to Jeran to find himself on Giy-esh's ship, almost as big a shock as it had to her, 
judging from her expression when they came face-to-face in the landing bay. Later, she'd managed to see 
him alone for long enough to arrange this meeting in the unused mess on the second deck. Sitting there at 
the main table, nursing a hot drink, he wondered why he'd come. 
. 
"I hoped you'd be here," she said, closing the air lock door behind her. 
"I hadn't expected to see you again," he said awkwardly. 
"Neither had I." She joined him at the table, sitting down opposite him. "This is rather embarrassing for 


both of us." 
He frowned. "Why? Only you and I know what happened 
that night." 
Giyesh looked away. "Not exactly," she murmured. "The captain overheard me talking to our medic." 
"Your medic?" 
"We rescued the young ones, Taynar and Kate," she said, her voice low. "Mrowbay thought he was an 


immature male. I told him likely he wasn't." 


"You only came to spy on me?" He'd thought there had been more between them than that. A common 
attraction, a need for company that night at least. 
"No! I came to talk to you, yes, to find out what I could about your people, but the rest… That was 


real." 


"So all your crew know about uS? What did you do? Go into details? Tell them how desperate I was for 
female company?" he asked angrily. 
"I said nothing to them, I swear I didn't! Look, I didn't have to tell you this," she said defensively. "It was 


rather obvious that we'd slept with each other when I stayed away all night." 
"So now it's my fault for keeping you with me?" He put his cup down with a thump. 
"I didn't say that," she said, reaching out to touch his clenched hand. "I stayed with you because I wanted 


to, because you were so lonely." 


"I didn't want your pity then, or now," he growled, snatching his hand away. "And I didn't need to be 
made a figure of fun among your crew. They must be laughing themselves sick every time they see me!" 
"I didn't mean it that way, Jeran, and they're not laughing 
at you," she said. "You don't understand. Our 


ships, we're all family, all related. It's me the crew are laughing at, for getting caught by an alien. The 
captain, my uncle, he's mad at me!" 


"Caught? How caught?" That surprised him, diverting his anger. 
She shook her head, sending the mane of black hair swaying round her shoulders. "It's not important," 
she said. "But no one's laughing at you, honestly." 


"I want to know. You've discussed personal matters about me with your medic, and your crew's laughing 
at my expense, too, whether you want to admit it or not. You owe me something in return." 



There was a hunted look in her eyes as she obviously searched for some answer to give him. "I'm of an 
age where I should have chosen a mate, but I haven't," she said finally. 

There was a hunted look in her eyes as she obviously searched for some answer to give him. "I'm of an 
age where I should have chosen a mate, but I haven't," she said finally. 

She pushed the chair back, got abruptly to her feet, and headed for the exit. "Forget it, Jeran. It was a 
mistake meeting with you. I just didn't want you thinking it was you the crew were laughing at." 

"Wait!" he said, leaping up to stop her. He caught up with her at the air lock, grasping her by the arm. 
"You're not leaving without telling me why this is so amusing to your people." 

"You're not U'Churian, and not a soldier," she said. 

"So what?" 

"I told you. I was expected to choose my first partner and didn't. Instead I asked to see the worlds 
outside our own, then I'd choose. This is my first mission." 

She was making no attempt to leave, even though she could probably get free quite easily. Releasing her 
arm, he reached for her mane of hair, taking hold of a lock that lay on her shoulder. "So why are we 
here? You didn't get me to come here just to tell me this." 

"How would you know?" she countered, then stopped, blue eyes widening. "Unless you're a telepath?" 

"No, I'm not." It was a mane, he realized, quite unlike Sholan hair. The night she'd come to him in the 
warehouse where he was imprisoned on Jalna, they'd talked, then one thing had rapidly led to another. 
They'd had no expectation of seeing each other again, so hadn't wasted time on irrele-vancies. Matters 
were slightly different now. She obviously wanted to see him again, or she wouldn't have suggested this 
meeting. He stood aside, gesturing to the table. "Stay for a little while. Tell me more about yourself and 
your people." 

Warily, she returned to the table, waiting till he sat down. "What do you want to know?" 

"You say you're all family on this ship. Are you all related, 
all soldiers?" 

She nodded. "Our unit of the family lives on Home, but the largest one is on the Rryuk itself. We learned 
long ago during our civil wars that having Family in space meant your name would never die, no matter 
what happened on Home." 

He thought about this for a moment. "Who lives on the Rryuk? Just the soldiers?" 

"No, everyone. Children, too. How else could we be self-sustaining?" 

"Space cities," he murmured, watching her. He'd not realized 
just how blue her eyes seemed against her 
dark pelt. They matched her tunic. But then,, the only light in the warehouse had come in from the 
spaceport outside through the small, reinforced window above the door. "How do you stop the 
inbreeding? We have a clan system similar to yours, but we're free to bond with those outside our Guild." 

"Guild?" She wrinkled her nose as she spoke. 

"Professions, like your soldiers." 

"We can choose from the males on any of the Family's ships, or even Home itself. There's not just the 
Rryuks, but the other lesser families who are allied to us and officially bear our name." 


"Are you training as a soldier now?" 

"Are you training as a soldier now?" 

Breeding cycles, again very different. "But you chose not to do this." 

She nodded. "It angered my parents that I didn't want to enrich the Family before taking service on the 
Profit, but the elders said I had leave to go if I wished." 

"And your uncle is one of the old-fashioned types, that's why he's angry with you for getting 'caught' by 
me. The others are amused because they've been around long enough to see the funny side." 

She nodded again, setting the silver-colored ring in her right ear swaying. 

"What's Home like? With all those Families it must be pretty crowded." 

"Fairly. Lots of cities. When a male marries into the Family, we add a room onto the settlement until 
there's no more space, then a group starts up a new settlement. We have a colony world now, and many 
younger people are setting up there rather than on Home or in space." 

"You marry for life then." Her scent was bringing back more memories of their night together. Pairing with 
her had been like he imagined pairing with a feral would be— from her there'd been no inhibitions, no 
holding back. Surely she couldn't mean he was her first lover? 

"No, only for two or three seasons, then we choose again. It makes sure there is always new blood in the 
Family. What about your people? Do you have only one wife?" 

"No. We take out bonding contracts for either three or five years if we wish to share our cubs," he said. 
"Otherwise 
we have as many lovers as we wish. Our females can choose when they want to have cubs, 
they don't have seasons, 
apart from their first." 

"Your way is quite different," she said, her voice trailing off slightly. "Relationships outside our marriages 
aren't tolerated." 

"What about between them, or before?" he asked, sliding 
across the intervening seat till he was sitting 
beside her. 

She wanted him, he could feel it, that's why she'd suggested they meet here. The attraction between them 
was pure lust, nothing more—yet. 

"Between is all right," she said softly, turning to face him as he slid his arm across her shoulders, urging 
her closer. "But not before. That's forbidden." 

"So you and I have broken quite a few rules between us." His tongue flicked across her cheek while he 
traced a gentle finger down her throat, continuing over her tunic to her chest. He let his hand linger briefly 
on her small breasts before moving lower, coming to rest on her hip. Beneath her ship's uniform, he could 
feel the braided cord that held up the loincloth she wore. Everything about her excited him, from her 
exotic alien scent to the long, dark pelt that covered her body. 

"Yes," she said, but her voice was barely a whisper as she leaned against him. "I'd like to break them 
again, but not here." 


"Where then?" he asked, voice rough as he began to lick her ear. 

"Where then?" he asked, voice rough as he began to lick her ear. 

He returned the kiss purposefully, his teeth catching gently 
at her lip as, reluctantly, he released her. "Go 
now, before I get too carried away. I won't be far behind you." 

* * * , , 

Father Lijou sat with Guardian Dhaika in the other's lounge at Vartra's Retreat. They were drinking 
c'shar. The yeacs had been kind to the elderly Sholan, he thought, watching the spring afternoon sun 
catch the reddish glints that still showed in the other's dark hair and pelt. 

"You seriously believe that it's Brynne Stevens' Triad we want, not Kaid's?" 

Lijou tried to ignore the tone of stark incredulity in Dhaika's voice. "I do. I've thought it since Kaid 
returned to Stronghold after seeing Vartra here." He had the satisfaction 
of seeing the faint gathering of 
Dhaika's eye ridges that betrayed his discomfort at being reminded of the incident. 

"That was unexpected. Did Kaid ever say what it was the God wanted?" 

"No, but the change in him was marked. It would appear that in the end, Vartra's will corresponds to 
Ghyakulla's. As I said, I believe Noni is wrong. Brynne Stevens will be the Human bound to our world 
with his Triad, not Carrie Aldatan." 

"Brynne's lack of cooperation over that Derwent character 
isn't exactly conducive to trust in such a 
delicate matter as unity between our species," murmured Dhaika. "He's not what I'd call the epitome of a 
well-adjusted Human within a mixed Leska relationship." 

"The Gods choose whom They want, Dhaika, you know that. They see into a person's soul. With all our 
Talents, that's beyond us." 

"I know that." The slightly acerbic tone was moderated immediately. "So what is it you're suggesting?" 

Lijou extended the claws on his right hand and gently tapped the arm of his chair. "Noni has a blind spot 
where Kaid is concerned. She's letting what she wants to happen blind her to other possibilities. I think 
it's time we—pursued—
more viable options." 

"I'm as unhappy with the way she tracks downwind of the Council of Guardians as you are, but to 
actually work against her…" 

"Not against her," corrected Lijou. "For Shola, Dhaika. Look at it this way. The Aldatan En'Shalla Triad 
is the motivating force behind the changes on our world. They've had to fight for their freedom, and it's 
been hard won. They can't change what they are, become people of peace, tied into the land, raising 
cubs. For one, the military won't let them. We need—Ghyakulla needs—a Triad that will do that. In 
Vanna Kyjishi and Garras Janagu, we have that. Look at the way they've both settled into managing the 
Clan and estate while Kusac and Carrie are away. Physician Kyjishi's expecting a second cub, Garras' 
this time. And Brynne has calmed down, too. None of those tempestuous relationships with other females 
any more—in fact, apart from their Link days, he's been celibate. Not only is he studying how to use his 
Talent at the Shrine, but since he had that vision from Ghyakulla, he's become more interested 
in the 
religious side. He's really Brotherhood priestly material, Dhaika. We should encourage this. We'd be 
fools not to. Think of it as listening to the Goddess rather than as working against Noni." 


"I hear you, but you haven't convinced me." 

"I hear you, but you haven't convinced me." 

Dhaika regarded him thoughtfully before replying. "If he comes of his own free will, then I will tutor him in 
the ways of the Goddess, and Her consort, Vartra. You've just been newly appointed as a Guardian, 
Lijou, so understand me well when I say I have no wish to Challenge Noni or the other females on our 
Council…" 

"Nor have I," interrupted Lijou. "I'm as aware as you that as two of the only three male Guardians we're 
outnumbered 
before we begin. But I am weary of the fact that in every level of our society there are 
political factions that serve only to advance their own view of how things should be. Free debate has 
been stifled for too long. We've become 
trapped in a quagmire of our own making, Dhaika, and we 
must break free if we're to keep the superiority we now hold within the Alliance. I can't help but feel 
there are desperate times ahead of us." 

The Guardian stirred in his seat. "I thought matters had improved since Esken's power had been broken." 

"They have, and even more so since he retired three weeks ago, but we need to evolve, Dhaika! As a 
society, we've been stagnant for too long. Growth and change are what we need, even if that change cuts 
us like a polar wind! But it's not just that that concerns me. We've still got the threat of the Valtegans 
hanging over our heads." 

Dhaika sighed, reaching for his drink. "Fear has always been an unpleasant bedfellow. No news of the 
escaped Valtegan?" 

"Kezule? None. A sustained search of the Taykui Forest margins has turned up nothing, now they're 
spreading the net farther. General Raiban would like to hold us at Stronghold responsible, but her people 
were on duty that night." He didn't want to get drawn deeper into this discussion. 
The media weren't 
aware of the escape of Kezule and Keeza Lassah, the Sholan female incarcerated with him as a spy. 
That there were two psychopaths loose in their continent's 
major game forest was a circumstance that 
deeply humiliated both the Brotherhood and the Forces. He made an effort to return to the original 
discussion. 

"About Brynne Stevens," he began. 

"I have said that if he comes to either of us of his own free will, with no prompting, then I will train him as 
our Order dictates," interrupted Dhaika. 

"Even in dream-walking?" He pushed his point home. 

"Yes, even that—if I believe Ghyakulla has called him!" 

Lijou let his breath out in a gentle huff. "Thank you, Dhaika. All I'm asking is that we don't close our eyes 
to what could be in front of us." 

"Maybe you're right," said Dhaika. "My position here as Guardian is to ensure that those called to the 
Brotherhood 
by Vartra or His Companion, Ghyakulla, receive the proper religious instruction in our 
mysteries. It's time Ghyakulla was allowed to call those She chooses, regardless of our esteemed 
matriarchs' personal wishes and their perceived 
political implications." 


Lijou could hear a touch of enthusiasm creeping into Dhaika's voice. At last! It had been an uphill struggle 
convincing 
the older male. Though he could see to the normal instruction of their Order, the advanced 
religious studies were Dhaika's provenance, and that included dream-walking. He was only just beginning 
to realize how much more he had to learn about that psychic art. 

Lijou could hear a touch of enthusiasm creeping into Dhaika's voice. At last! It had been an uphill struggle 
convincing 
the older male. Though he could see to the normal instruction of their Order, the advanced 
religious studies were Dhaika's provenance, and that included dream-walking. He was only just beginning 
to realize how much more he had to learn about that psychic art. 

* * * 

Like a silent shadow, Ashay padded alongside Quin as they made their way through the spaceport gates 
toward the hotel. Though the heavy fighting was over, it was still not safe for any of the four Humans on 
Jalna to walk alone through the spaceport area. Ashay was the perfect escort. 

No one in their right mind would argue with a Sumaan. Six feet tall to the shoulder, plus another foot for 
the mobile neck and its attached head, the reptilian Sumaan were formidable 
mercenaries. Heavily 
muscled hind legs and a tail almost as thick as his torso gave Ashay a bulkiness that belied his agility, 
speed and immense strength. As they passed through the checkpoint, the young Sumaan's neck curved 
downward, bringing his head on a level with the guard's. Lips pulled back from the tombstone teeth as he 
smiled his greeting. 

Catching the guard's shudder as the youngster passed through, Quin smiled to himself. He could 
understand the Jalnian's reaction. He'd felt the same until he'd gotten to know Captain Kishasayzar and 
his crew. 

There had been a lot of rapid changes, he noted as he approached the inner fenced area where the hotel 
and the tower that had been Lord Bradogan's stood. The guards waved them through without challenging 
them: the crew of the Hkariyash were well known to Tarolyn's men by now. 

Port workers were still piling rubbish from the deceased Lord's dwelling onto the smoldering bonfire in 
front of the tower. Its acrid smoke coiled lazily up into the heat-blanched sky. Everyone had known what 
kind of man Bra-dogan was, but the new Port Lord hadn't been prepared for the sight that met his eyes 
in the basement cells. Treating 
several of Bradogan's prisoners had been beyond Jal-na's primitive 
medical skills, and Tarolyn had needed to ask for help from those species still berthed in the port. He'd 
then refused to enter the keep again until it had been gutted and all trace of its former owner erased. 

It was the Humans who'd been able to offer the most aid, as they were physiologically closest to the 
Jalnians. Quin had just come from checking on their patients at the makeshift infirmary that had been set 
up in one of the warehouses. As well as those who had been subjected to Bradogan's idea of hospitality, 
several Jalnians were being treated for energy weapon burns and a variety of sword and knife wounds 
sustained during the pitched battle in the port the day before. 

Tarolyn, flanked by his faithful bodyguards, was holding court in the main foyer of the hotel. Seeing Quin 
enter, he dismissed the assorted crowd of alien traders and their Jal-nian agents that had been clamoring 
for his attention, and gestured at him to approach. As the traders and agents moved aside, Quin could 
see Conrad sitting at the end of Tarolyn's table. Like himself, he'd reverted to using the black fatigues that 
were the Humans' Warrior Guild uniform. 

"Get him a seat," the Lord ordered one of his guards as the Human approached. "And a drink for them 
both," he added to Conrad. "The heat outside is enough to scorch even the Sumaan's hide. How are your 
patients today, Quin?" 

"Improving," Quin said, taking off the black baseball-like cap that protected his balding head from the 


sun. Gratefully, he accepted the glasses of water that his colleague 
slid across the table to him. He 
handed one to Ashay, who then ambled off to sit with the guards, and drained the second himself. 
"Another couple of days and all but five of them will be able to go home. I'd like the physician on the 
Rhijissoh to examine three of those, though. Their medics have more sophisticated equipment than us 
and will be able to analyze your species so we know exactly what drugs we can use. All I can do at the 
moment is make them as comfortable as possible." He'd already decided not to mention that at least one 
was unlikely to survive the day. 

sun. Gratefully, he accepted the glasses of water that his colleague 
slid across the table to him. He 
handed one to Ashay, who then ambled off to sit with the guards, and drained the second himself. 
"Another couple of days and all but five of them will be able to go home. I'd like the physician on the 
Rhijissoh to examine three of those, though. Their medics have more sophisticated equipment than us 
and will be able to analyze your species so we know exactly what drugs we can use. All I can do at the 
moment is make them as comfortable as possible." He'd already decided not to mention that at least one 
was unlikely to survive the day. 

"Carrie was too badly injured, Lord Tarolyn," began Conrad. 

"I asked him," Railin interrupted, continuing to look at Quin as he took the proffered chair and sat down 
opposite the Lord. 

"It's exactly as he said. Her injuries were so severe that the Rhijissoh couldn't have dealt with her 
properly. They scanned her on the Profit and we now know the bullet is lodged against her spine. On its 
way in, it hit one of her ribs and splinters of bone have caused tissue and organ damage. The Rhijissoh 
simply doesn't have the specialized surgical facilities necessary for operating on a Human so badly 
injured. If she'd been Sholan," he shrugged. "Far better to stabilize her in the Profit cryo facilities, then 
get her to the rendezvous ship as quickly as possible." 

Railin grunted. "Let me know how she fares. What of the Sholan woman who lost her child?" 

"Zashou's comfortable. They're building her strength up with Sholan protein drinks until they're sure the 
poison from the Jalnian food is out of her system," said Quin, refilling his glass from a jug on the table. 

"A tragedy," said Railin. "But the child was better dead than living so malformed. I had not thought it 
possible that the poison in our soil could do that. But she's young, there's plenty of time for more children. 
I've decided to leave security matters at the port as they are for now. People 
know where they are, 
know what to expect. Better to make my changes gradually, there'll be chaos otherwise. How long 
before this ship of yours arrives?" 

"Another three days," said Conrad. "When they do, they'll be sending down a Contact team in a shuttle. 
I've been asked to request quarters for them close by your own." 

"They can stay in a suite of rooms here," said Railin, pulling his pipe and smoking herb from his belt 
pouch. He glanced up at Conrad. "Who are they coming to talk to? Us, or our alien customers?" 

"All those species who want to talk to them," said Quin. "Including yourselves." 

Railin tamped the smoking herb down in the pipe bowl with the end of his small belt knife. As he reached 
for his flint box, Conrad pulled a lighter from his pocket and flicked it, letting it burn for a moment before 
handing it to Railin. 

"Please keep it," he said as the Lord turned the object thoughtfully over in his hand before igniting his 
smoking herb with it. 

So begins their throwaway society, sent Quin. 

No need to be so cynical, replied Conrad. 

"Thank you," Railin said, placing it on the table beside his pouch. "An interesting little toy." 


"We've many more like this in the Alliance," said Conrad 
quietly. And before you jump down my 
throat, I've been authorized to give him a few… inducements. 

"We've many more like this in the Alliance," said Conrad 
quietly. And before you jump down my 
throat, I've been authorized to give him a few… inducements. 

Conrad looked across at Quin. "Sounds fine to me." Turning back to Railin, he said, "I've been 
authorized to let you have a communications device for your estate, to enable you to speak instantly with 
your steward from anywhere 
on Jalna. The Alliance negotiators know it's vital that you remain in touch 
with your people for the duration of their visit, and are prepared to do what they can to facilitate this." 

Railin puffed gently on his pipe, releasing a small cloud of aromatic smoke. "Very good of them, 
considering they need me more than I need them. What makes this Alliance of yours so sure that the 
other species will want them here?" 

"I'm afraid I can't comment on that, Lord Tarolyn," said Conrad. "We're not actually part of the 
negotiating team. We've merely been asked to remain here to act as envoys for them. But I will say that 
two of the Alliance species already trade here—the Chemerians and the Sumaan." 

"You have everyone at a disadvantage for the time being, Lord Tarolyn," said Quin, picking his words 
carefully. 
"But may I respectfully suggest that you tread carefully 
and don't overplay your hand? If you 
make demands that could be considered unreasonable, then there is nothing 
to stop the traders from 
combining to build a space station." 

The new Port Lord raised a bushy eyebrow. "I think not. I may be just a dirt-sider to you, but I've some 
idea of the cost of such an undertaking, in people and time if not money." 

He's sharp, no doubt about that, sent Quin. Nobody's fool. "With three more species to divide the cost 
among them, I don't think that's going to be a major consideration. What you really want is help with the 
environment, isn't it? You want your people free of this madness that comes from the land. Bradogan 
played on it, used it to his advantage 
to control the goods coming onto Jalna." 

Railin narrowed his eyes. "I want it understood that Jal-nians are not violent by nature. The cause of it is 
our poisoned 
soil and not all of us are tainted by it. With help, those who are can be freed. We could 
then take our rightful place in space with the rest of you." 

"You have one major point in your favor," said Conrad. "The Sholans, who are the senior partner in the 
Alliance, have no love for the Chemerians, and it was the Chemeri-ans who branded you as an unstable 
species. The Sholan government may well be prepared to back your request for aid with both the Free 
Traders and the Alliance to pay back the Chemerians for withholding information concerning 
the 
existence of the Free Traders." 

"And the Chemerians?" asked Railin. 

"Will say nothing, having been exposed as untrustworthy to both the Free Traders and the Alliance by 
having kept silent about the existence of both groups." 

"I only want what is right and fair for my people. The technology you all possess would help us rise 
above what we are and become more. It isn't as if we have nothing to offer in return." 


"You have your location for one," murmured Quin. 

"You have your location for one," murmured Quin. 

"Jump points are rare," explained Conrad. "That's why Jalna is so important to the Free Traders. It's a 
point where they can most easily converge for trade. It's a little farther for the Alliance, but still 
economically viable, I would think." 

"For people not concerned with negotiating, your words are very much to the point, and in our favor," 
murmured Railin. "Why?" 

"You're not so dissimilar from us," said Quin, shifting in his chair. "Our friends' time as Killian's guests 
reminded us of the basics of life—a safe place to live, good food, and our health." If the Jalnians are 
accepted, he sent to Conrad, it advances Earth's arguments to become full Alliance members 
rather than associates. 

"Talking of which," said Railin, looking toward the foyer desk. "I see that damned manager is standing 
around doing nothing. It's past midday, time we had something substantial 
to eat and drink. You can tell 
me about this communications 
device of yours before you leave for Galrayn." 

* * * 

Naira and Zsyzoi were on the inland detail, working their way outward toward the margins of the Taykui 
Forest where they'd meet up with their opposite members. The cold wind ruffled Naira's hair, making him 
shiver. 

"We're not going to find him," he muttered to his sword-sister. "He's long gone by now—and he knows 
our world." 

"Only the desert area near Chezy and the Kysubi plains, and they've changed a hell of a lot since his 
day," said Zsyzoi quietly, edging forward slowly as she scanned her surroundings through the IR visor. 
"We have to keep looking. 
Now shut up, I can hear you complain anytime." 

"How'd he get out anyway? You manage to pick up any gossip yet?" 

"Naira, be quiet! At this rate, they'll hear us long before we hear them," she hissed angrily before coming 
to an abrupt stop and rounding on him. "Or is that the point of all your chatter?" 

"Of course not!" he replied, stung by her accusation. "How could you…" 

A dark shape launched itself toward them from the branch of a nearby tree. They separated, one to 
either side, diving for cover as the creature leaped beyond them, landing 
deep in the undergrowth. 

Zsyzoi was already on her feet, tracking its passage as it headed deeper into the forest. She let out a 
string of expletives 
as she relaxed and began to brush the debris from the forest floor off her clothing and 
pelt. "Another four-legger," she said with disgust. 

"Are you sure?" Naira asked, scrambling to his feet and peering in the direction of the still swaying 
vegetation. 

"Sure," she confirmed. "Only the ferals move like that, we can't. Come on, we've still got another four 
hours before 
we're through for the night." 

She suppressed her elation as she crashed through the ground cover, heading deeper into the night. She 


might have escaped the hunters this time, but they'd surprised her, cut her off from her den and forced her 
to move on before she was ready. Speed was what she needed now, to put distance between them and 
her. Running till she could go no farther, she collapsed to the ground, sides heaving, gasping for air. 

might have escaped the hunters this time, but they'd surprised her, cut her off from her den and forced her 
to move on before she was ready. Speed was what she needed now, to put distance between them and 
her. Running till she could go no farther, she collapsed to the ground, sides heaving, gasping for air. 

They were deep, and the fluid they wept was bitter, making 
her feel sick and light-headed again. Only 
hunger had driven her from the safety of her den in the first place. It was a miracle she'd managed to 
escape the hunters at all in her weakened condition. 

She had to keep moving, find shelter and food before morning left her exposed to the light. Still 
whimpering softly, she uncurled and staggered to her feet. 

On board the Rryuk's Profit, a level on one of the cryo units fluctuated. The computer registered it, 
initiating a first-level diagnostic check on the system. 

On Shola, Brynne stirred in his sleep, muttering incoherently 
before settling again to dream of moonlit 
forests. 

In Vartra's temple at Stronghold, Lijou crumbled the incense 
into the brazier on the God's right. His 
mind was wandering, and not, for once, fully on his task. He was thinking of Kaid, what it must have 
been like for him to go back in time and meet the God, Vartra, in the flesh. 

"Disbelief," said a voice in his ear as a strong grip closed on his forearm. "The first time is always the 
worst," it continued conversationally. 

Around him, the temple seemed to darken and swirl. Lijou made a mewling noise and tried to pull back. 

"So you're the new Guardian. And Tallinu's mentor." 

Lijou was suddenly very afraid. The hand grasping his arm was real; the claws were sharp and beginning 
to prick into his flesh. It was none of the Brothers, he knew the smell of each one and all he could smell 
now was the scent of the nung tree. He peered through the dim, flickering light at the figure beside him 
but the face was hidden in deep shadow. 

"Who are you?" he asked, hearing the tremor in his voice. 

A gentle laugh. "You shouldn't need to ask," the voice chided. "How could I neglect you, the head of the 
En'Shalla Order? I have work for you, Father Lijou. I see your esteemed matriarchs neglected to tell you 
that participating 
in the ritual of dream-walking made it possible for me to reach you easily." 

Half an hour later, Lijou stumbled from the temple, blinking rapidly in the brighter lights of the entrance 
hall. The night watch were at his side instantly, only to be dispatched 
by him for his co-Guild Master. 
Instead they sent for L'Seuli, who fetched Master Rhyaz. 

"He gave you this?" asked Rhyaz. Stunned, he stood looking at the metal disk L'Seuli had put into his 
palm. 

"Yes, Master," said L'Seuli. "I recognized it immediately." 

"Take me to him." 


When they stopped outside the watch ready room, Rhyaz looked again at the coin in his hand. "Tell me 
once more how he said he got it." 

When they stopped outside the watch ready room, Rhyaz looked again at the coin in his hand. "Tell me 
once more how he said he got it." 

"I hope I'm about to find out, L'Seuli," Rhyaz answered as he placed his hand on the door, ready to push 
it open. "I keep this in the safe. No one has access to it but me. It's the original sigil, minted when our 
Order was founded." 

CHAPTER 2 

Day 2 

KAID'S sleep continued disturbed, bringing memories forgotten 
for months to the surface. 
"You!" said Kaid angrily, fists clenching at his sides as he stopped. "You dared to use the Goddess to 


bring me here!" Kaid was speechless with rage as he watched Vartra set down the scythe he'd been 
sharpening. 
"Oh, it was real," the God said, taking him by the arm and drawing him toward the cottage. "The crystal 


in the rock face, everything. It was Ghyakulla's doing, not mine. She wanted us to talk." 
"I've nothing to say to you!" Furiously he resisted. 
"Maybe not," said Vartra, "but I do have things to say to you. Do you know where you are, how you got 


here?" 
"Dhaika led me." 
"Not quite. Ghyakulla did. You're dream-walking, in the realms of the Entities." 
That caught his attention. "Entities? I thought there were only Gods." 
Once more, Vartra tugged him gently onward. This time he didn't resist. 
"There are no Gods and Goddesses, Tallinu, only Entities," he said, stopping in front of the cottage door 


and opening it. He stepped aside, waiting for Kaid to enter. 
Automatically, Kaid scanned the main room, assessing 
the exits, looking for potential traps and threats, 
but the room couldn't have been simpler. It was a typical highland cottage, not unlike Noni's. On his right, 
a large kitchen range was set into the outer wall, sharing the flue with the small smithy on the other side. A 


table with four chairs stood in the center of the room. There were three doors, but only one looked like it 
led out of the room, probably to the rest of the house. 
"I hadn't expected you to be living so simply," he said, lacing his voice with heavy sarcasm as he entered. 


"Where's the lab? All the scientific and medical equipment?" 


'There is none," said Vartra, moving past him to sit at the table. "Those days are long gone, Tallinu. I fulfill 
a different role now." 
Kaid grunted his disbelief. "You said there are no Gods, only Entities." 
"I did. Won't you sit with me? We only have a short time." 
"I'll stand for now." He couldn't sit at the same table as this person who'd betrayed him and abused his 



mind and body. "What is it you want with me? Get it over with, Vartra. I've more important things to do 


with my life than waste it here!" 
"Still so angry. Yet I did my best to warn you. It isn't easy for me to come to you the way I did the night 
you took ill with the fever." 


Despite his best efforts to stop them, Kaid could feel his ears begin to lie back in shock. It hadn't been a 
fever dream, it had been real. Feeling suddenly dizzy, he held onto a chair back for support. 
"It was you? You were there, in my rooms?" 


"Didn't I just say so? Sit down, Tallinu." 
Vartra's voice was persuasive, and, still reeling mentally 
from the shock of discovering the visitation had 
been real, he sat. 


"Every hunter is in his turn the hunted, Tallinu. What I did in the past when I still lived, had to be done. If I 
hadn't, you'd still be under the heels of the Valtegans. I was driven as much as you are, only I've been 
honest with you about it. The Entities don't have to reveal themselves 
or their plans to anyone." 


There was that word again. "What do you mean, Entities?" 
"A living concept, or archetype, that one uses to understand 
the forces of nature that govern our world." 
He tried to absorb it. "It's the same as a God." 
Vartra flicked an ear in a negative. "Entities are the forces they represent. Gods and Goddesses are 


personifications 
of those forces." 


Kaid frowned, feeling the anger returning. 'There's no difference, Vartra. You're playing semantics with 
me again." 
"No. It's important that you understand the difference. Gods don't just represent a force of nature, we 


imbue them with older powers, make of them magical beings." 
Kaid shifted uncomfortably, remembering a conversation 
with Noni about Gods and worshipers. 
"Yes, worshipers maintain their Gods with the power of their prayers. Most Gods were folk heroes once, 


their very essence kept alive by those who believed in them." 
"Like you. So how do you fit in, Vartra, except as a God?" 
Vartra began to laugh, gently and self-mockingly. It was a laugh Kaid had heard many times in his mind. 
"Stop it!" he snapped, hands clenching where they lay on the table. 
"The Cataclysm changed many things, Tallinu. Many of the old Gods were swept away, many were 


forgotten as new ones sprang up. I was one of the new ones, taking over from one called Varza, a 
warrior who'd set aside his weapons to show that though there's a time to fight, there's also a time for 
peace. The people replaced 
him with me, refused to let me pass on to the next life. I became, for them, 
the conceptualization of peace after battle, of positive change, and law and order. I was the embodiment 
of the genesis of the new telepaths: the son of the Green Goddess, Her protector, and Her consort. Now 
do you see the differences?" 


What he was saying had a ring of the familiar about it. It was what Noni had said to him. As he began to 



feel uncomfortable, his anger started to wane. 

feel uncomfortable, his anger started to wane. 

"Very well. There are only Entities," said Kaid abruptly. "What has this to do with me? Why did you call 
me here? To tell me you're more powerful than any God?" Even he could hear the trace of bitterness in 
his voice. 

"So you could dream-walk, Tallinu. There are those among the Guardians who'd prevent you from 
learning this skill." 

"Guardians?" He frowned, ignoring for now the negative 
comment. He'd not heard the title before 
except when applied to Guardian Dhaika as head of the Retreat. 

"Wheels within wheels, Tallinu," said Vartra, getting up from the table to fetch the two beakers and jug 
that stood on the dresser behind him. Returning, he placed them on the table and sat down. "The 
Guardians are people who are one with our land, who guard and monitor 
the whole of our planet." 

"How many more layers are there controlling us?" demanded Kaid. "Why have we at Stronghold never 
heard of them?" 

'Those who need to know are aware of them, never fear. And now, like the few others who are 
permitted to dream-walk to our realms, so are you." 

Mind working furiously, Kaid forced himself to lean back in his chair, letting his hands relax again. 
Sunlight from a side window dappled Vartra's tunic, making it appear first dark gray, then black as it 
almost merged into his tan pelt where he sat in the shadows. Compared to the person he'd met in the Fire 
Margins, this Vartra looked fitter and had gained weight and muscle. No longer did he appear the 
aesthetic Doctor of genetics, now he looked the part of the God—or Entity. 

"Varza was from the plains, just as I am," Vartra said quietly. "We became one Entity." 

"Why would I need to dream-walk? And why would anyone want to prevent me from doing it?" 
Guardians, protecting the soil of their world: it had the guildmark of the ravings of the Human mystic, 
Derwent, yet this was coming from Vartra. 

Vartra leaned forward. "If you're called by an Entity, given permission to enter their realm, then you have 
power, Tallinu. The power to speak to them, to learn from them—to negotiate with them and change the 
way things might otherwise be. As Ghyakulla negotiated with me to bring you here." 

His unease grew as he remembered that physically he wasn't in a highland cottage, he was actually 
meditating 
in the temple of Ghyakulla at Vartra's Retreat, deep in the heart of the Dzahai Mountains. 
"Where's here exactly?" 

"It's a stepping stone," Vartra said, reaching for the jug. "A starting point, where one such as you begins 
your journey." 

Kaid felt his temper rising again. It always came down to this: more work for Vartra. "I've done enough 
for you," he said wamingly, the rumble of anger obvious in his voice. "You've used me once too often, 
Vartra. It ends here." 

"You came here of your own free will," Vartra pointed out as he poured water from the jug into both 
beakers. "Into my realm, and my home. Your choice." 


Kaid made a derisory noise. "So what? It means nothing to me. You tricked me into believing Ghyakulla 
had called me." 

Kaid made a derisory noise. "So what? It means nothing to me. You tricked me into believing Ghyakulla 
had called me." 

His anger finally dispelled his unease. He slammed his open palm violently against the top of the table, 
making the jug and the remaining beaker jump and shake. "What is it now, Vartra? You've taken 
everything from me, even my faith in you!" 

"I was driven to do what I did during my life, Tallinu, by forces higher than myself. If I hadn't, it would 
never have been possible for you to have met Kusac, or Carrie, 
your Human lover." 

With a wordless roar of anger, Kaid's hands closed, claws gouging deep tracks in the surface of the 
wooden table. "I knew it was your doing! Is there nothing in my life you haven't shaped with your 
meddling?" 

"You forget yourself, Tallinu." Vartra's tone was icy as he regarded him unflinchingly. "You chose to 
come back to my time, to leave the blood of your Human lover with me. Without that, none of this would 
have been possible. You and Kusac shaped your own futures, 
used your own free will. I 
merely—enhanced the options. Did I interfere when you tried to burn down my temple?" 

That hit him like a shower of cold water. 

"You thought I didn't know?" Vartra flicked his ears in a negative as he put down his beaker. "Foolish, 
Tal-linu. You know better than that. I didn't cause your Triad, that I swear, nor your love for this 
Human." 

This time, Kaid could read compassion in the other's eyes. He looked away, not wanting to see it. 

"Just as you've been guided by dreams and visions, so was I. We both serve Shola and Ghyakulla, 
Tallinu." He stopped for a moment before continuing. "You ask what I want. I'll tell you. To free Sholans 
from the threat of the Valtegans forever." 

Kaid looked up at him again. Vartra's eyes had taken on a luminous quality that filled him with dread. It 
had been easy till now to forget that this was no ordinary male he was dealing with. 

"If the Valtegans return, Tallinu, Shola will be lost forever, its land polluted by them, its people enslaved 
till they have no will to break free. That must not happen. 
You and the En'Shallans are the key to 
preventing it. That is what I want, Tallinu, nothing less! When it's done, then we can all rest in peace." 

"Why should I believe you? You used me, told Jaisa to steal from my body and bear my cub!" 

"Not me, Tallinu," Vartra said softly, picking his beaker 
up again to take another sip from it. "Not me. 
Vartra the geneticist did that. I'm no longer the same male. He died fifteen hundred years ago." 

"You're the same person! No one can change that much!" 

"Am I? Tell me, Tallinu the Brother, the priest and killer, what place in the life of one such as you does a 
fragile, hairless alien female hold?" Vartra's voice was growing louder. "You, once second in command in 
the Claws, the most feared of the Packs on the streets of Ranz, their top killer—the Brotherhood's best 
Special Operative at hunting down and killing rogue telepaths: what place has any female in your life, let 
alone one who poses a threat to your whole species? One who's responsible for altering the best of the 
few telepaths Shola possesses till they're infertile with their own kind? Tell me now that you haven't 


changed!" 

changed!" 

"I did?" It was said very quietly. Vartra leaned back in his seat, brown eyes looking up unconcerned at 
him. "How so? You did that yourself as a child. I watched it happening during the long drive to 
Stronghold. How could I make a cub barely three years old become sexually 
attracted to a female so 
alien and unlike his own kind? You know the answer to that as well as I do. Why do you have to 
question what you feel for her? Why can't you just enjoy having her as your lover and third now you've 
finally achieved what you longed for?" 

"Because I need to know what's real, dammit!" he swore, clenching his hands till his claws pricked his 
palms. "You pull me about like a cub's toy, Vartra, as if I'm there for your whims and your use! I'm not! I 
have needs of my own!" Uncertainty and insecurity as well as anger threatened to overwhelm him. "I've 
visited too many dream worlds, Vartra, I don't need yours! I need to know what's true, what's real!" He 
needed to know that what he felt for Carrie was his-, not engineered by the male—be he God or 
Entity—who sat before him. 

"Sit down, Tallinu. I brought you here to do just that. And to tell you what I need you to do now." 

"I refuse. If I have the free will you say I have, you can't make me," he snapped, fighting to slow his 
breathing 
and prevent the mist of rage from forming before his eyes. 

"Sit down, Tallinu." The voice was even quieter now, persuasive. "I will offer a compromise, then. A 
deal, if you like." 

"What do you offer?" Kaid asked through clenched teeth. 

"I promise I will never again call you back to the time of the Cataclysm." 

He snorted in disgust. "And what use is that? You already know whether or not you've done it again! 
That's using your foreknowledge, not making a concession!" 

"Sit." Vartra waited, looking up expectantly at him till Kaid reluctantly sat down. "We're outside time for 
now, Tallinu. The past, the present, all are one for this moment. 
What we decide now will happen, this I 
promise you. I have never lied to you, no matter what else you think you can accuse me of. I will not 
return you to the past. You have my word on that." 

Automatically Kaid began reciting his litanies, calming his mind while measuring Vartra up with all the 
senses he possessed. This was the time for clear thought. Dispassionately, 
he looked back over his 
encounters with Him. He spoke the truth. Whether as God or mortal, Vartra had not lied to him. It 
mattered little what Vartra wanted him to do, if he could use it to buy the peace of mind he desperately 
needed. "I want more," he said at length. "No interference between me and my Triad partners. We'll find 
our way, or not, on our own." 

Vartra raised an eye ridge. "My Triad, Tallinu? You accept it now?" 

"It exists. I have to deal with it, no matter how or why it formed. I want no more interference between the 
three of us." 

"We need your Triad to work, Tallinu. You must be welded together as one, able to support each other." 


He could hear a note of uncertainty in the other for the first time. "No interference, Vartra," he said 


coldly. "And I'll father no cubs with her." 
"Some things are not dependent on me, Tallinu," Vartra 
murmured, mouth opening in a faint grin. "That 
rather depends on your actions, doesn't it? Cubs are Ghyakulla's gift to us all." 


"You know exactly what I mean," Kaid growled. "No confusing me, sending me fevers or visions so that 
I lose my senses when I'm with her." 
"Do you think I did all that? You give me more credit than I'm due. Agreed, on one condition." 


"No conditions, Vartra. This is my deal with you, remember?" 
"One. You work at this Triad, Tallinu. No taking the easy option and letting it die. You work at it. You 
owe me that much at least by the oaths you swore to me when you paired with her the first time, and at 
the cub's Validation. What was it? /'// do anything you ask, only let this be real." 


Kaid regarded him impassively. "I have never been foresworn in my life. I have no intention of going back 


on my oaths now." 
"Yet you leveled similar accusations against me. I want to hear you swear that you will work at this Triad 
of yours." 


"I swear." A low growl accompanied his oath. "Tell me what you want me to do, then we can get this 
over with." 
Vartra pushed the other beaker toward him. "Drink," he said. "You must be thirsty by now." 
Kaid hesitated. He still didn't completely trust Vartra. 
Again the other gestured to the beaker. "It's safe. I'm drinking it." 
He picked it up, sniffing the contents suspiciously. "It's water," he said, surprised. 
"Of course." 


Cautiously, he sipped it, making sure it was indeed water before taking a longer drink. 
"I need you to lay aside your mistrust of me, Tallinu, and finish the healing you began at Noni's. I know 
how much you suffered, not only at the hands of Fyak, but also Ghezu. But you're En'Shalla now, the 
Brotherhood and all of Shola look to your Triad as the public face of our Order." 


Kaid continued to sip at his drink. He was finding it suddenly hot and airless in the room; the palms of his 
hands were becoming filmed with sweat. He leaned forward, 
straining to catch Vartra's every word as 
the God's voice became fainter. 


"I need you all to be strong, stronger than you've ever been before, because for the sake of Shola, to 
beat the Valtegans, you will need to make a pact with the Liege of Hell Himself. Be prepared, Tallinu, for 
it may cost you your life, or that of one you hold dear." 


He jerked in bed, shouting out in fear as he came instantly 
awake. 
"What is it?" demanded T'Chebbi from beside him. 
"A dream," he said, shuddering as he passed his hands over his brows, pushing his ears flat against his 



hair. The dream memory held him still in claws of steel as it dragged him back, even though awake, to 
relive the last portion. 

hair. The dream memory held him still in claws of steel as it dragged him back, even though awake, to 
relive the last portion. 

Hands bound behind him, he was being dragged toward a large window that gave onto the room next 
door. The hand holding his scruff pulled his head painfully 
back, claws gouging his flesh as he was 
hauled to a stop. 

"Look, even now they betray you in this act of reproduction!" 

He looked, seeing enough to know that one of the two figures in the bed was Carrie. The other—was 
Sho-lan, that was all he could tell. He turned his head aside, saying nothing. 

A hiss of anger from his captor and he was flung against the transparent screen, his face pressed 
painfully 
against the cool surface. 

"You'll watch till I say otherwise! That is your mate, linked mentally to you! Would you die for them 
now? You're a bigger fool than I thought!" 

He shuddered again as the vision finally left him. 

"More cryo nightmares?" T'Chebbi asked sympathetically. 

"Yes." He'd told no one about this vision from Vartra, managed to hide it even from Kusac and Carrie 
when they had been intimately linked. Then the potential danger had seemed distant, avoidable. Now, out 
here in the dark between 
the worlds, with Carrie and Kusac both lying in cryo units, he wasn't so sure 
anymore. 

The memories were fading so fast he couldn't visualize them enough to remember any more details. It 
was the first time they had recurred since Vartra had shown them to him all those months before. Why 
should they come to his sleeping mind now? 

T'Chebbi's hand touched his arm, and with an effort, he turned to look at her. He tried to force a smile to 
his face in a reassurance he couldn't give himself. 

"I'm fine now," he said, sliding back down under the cover. He closed his eyes, focusing his mind, trying 
to recall the scene, desperate for any clue that would answer the questions it had generated. 

T'Chebbi remained sitting up. "I don't like this, Kaid. Something is wrong." 

He raised himself back up on one elbow. "You sense danger?" All Brotherhood members had a gift, hers 
was the foreknowledge of approaching danger. 

"Yes. No—I'm not sure, Kaid," she said, clutching her arms across her chest. "Not yet, maybe not at all, 
but there's something out there. Something and nothing." 

Vartra had said as much. He lay back, staring up at the ceiling, remembering the words that had followed 
the vision. He'd still been groggy from the water he'd been given. 

"The water is from Ghyakulla's fountain, Tallinu. The purest you'll ever taste. It opens the inner eye that 
lets us see what may be. You needed to take it to see the vision. Darkness is gathering between the stars, 
threatening 
the lifeblood of Shola. All that stands between us and it is your Triad." 


"Who told you that?" 
T'Chebbi's voice made him jump. He hadn't realized he'd spoken aloud. "Vartra. It was a warning." He 


turned toward her, pulling her down beside him. "Tell me if the feeling of danger grows stronger. You're 
sure it isn't here now? Because of Carrie's injury and us being on the U'Churian ship?" 
"The warning would have come sooner. This one is just beginning." 
"Yet you sensed nothing before the fight at the spaceport." 
It was a statement, not a recrimination. 
"Maybe because there was no serious danger to her once she was put in cryo." 
"Maybe." He wasn't convinced. Tirak was honest enough in his intent to take them to their rendezvous, 


but he felt that any species that trusted another to navigate their military 
ships was worthy of suspicion. 


Their current situation involved two unknown variables—the U'Churians and the Cabbarans. 
"What is it the Cabbarans do that's so different?" T'Chebbi asked sleepily as she curled up against his 
side. 


Recently she'd shown a knack of following his thoughts that would have disturbed him if everything else 
around him wasn't so volatile. "They can navigate during jump, allowing them to do two jumps in one 
flight. That's why we can reach Tuushu Station so quickly." 

"How?" She was instantly awake. "And why only two jumps?" 
"Tirak says it's a natural ability, a skill they use when planet healing and one they found useful when they 


got into space. As for only doing two jumps, they can't make a hull for their craft that is strong enough to 
withstand the stresses caused by the time it would take to jump a greater combined distance." 
"They have a psi talent?" 
"Sounds like it, but they're not telepathic, I checked. It may just be a convenient lie to mask their 


technology. Tirak was certainly keeping something back when he told me." 
"Think of the military advantage that would give us over the Valtegans when we do find them." 
"I have. That's why I requested the interview with Annuur." 
"And?" 
"And if his sept is only a commercial one, then I'm a jegget. Tirak's mission was military, he admitted it. If 


this were an Alliance undertaking, Annuur would have an equal rank with the captain—if we used 
another species to navigate 
for us." Talking about this was preventing him from thinking about the 
remainder of his meeting with Vartra. 

"So what did you do?" she prompted, nipping his jaw in frustration at the delay. "Don't spin this out!" 
"Made a formal application for Treaty talks to begin between 
the Cabbarans and the Alliance on Jalna," 


he said, grabbing her chin to prevent her nipping him again. "I also spoke to Captain Kisha, as you call 
him, with instructions on how to contact the Cabbaran home world." He released 
her. 
"Two new allies. The Alliance will be formidable when we do meet the Valtegans." 
"Three if you count the TeLaxaud, but first we have to find them. They trade only rarely at Jalna, and 


there's no one who knows how to contact them." 



"Curious, considering they helped build the port." 
"It happens that way with people, why not with a species?" 
"So what woke you?" 
He bit back the answer just in time. She'd nearly caught him by switching the topic so abruptly. "I told 


you, a dream of danger. Now sleep," he said, reaching out to kill the night-light. 


Sleep took some time in coming, and when it did, it was laced with more of the memories he'd tried to 
avoid. 
"Before the effects of Ghyakulla's water wear off, as a measure of my good faith, Tallinu, I can show you 


the answer to one question," Vartra had said. "What, from the future, do you wish to know?" 
He'd been light-headed and not thinking too clearly then. Foremost in his mind was his determination not 


to share his cubs with her, or anyone. An image had begun to form almost immediately, one he'd seen 
before. 
The room seemed to lurch and he was looking at the newborn cub in Noni's arms, unsure what to do or 


say. 


"She's yours, Tallinu," the familiar old voice said. "Your daughter. Take her from me, for Vartra's sake! 
Let her know you accept your child!" 
He reached down to take the child from her, holding the little one awkwardly in his arms. 
She gave a soft mewl, mind and hands reaching out for him. He offered her a finger and she took it, 


holding onto him firmly as she began to purr. He was totally unprepared for the flood of emotions that 
rushed through him as he stroked the tiny brown-furred hand. Gathering her closer, he laid his face 
against her tiny head, taking in her scent, bonding to her. Suddenly, this cub he'd tried so hard to avoid 
conceiving because of his love for her mother, was even more precious. 

"A daughter," he said, looking over to where she lay, exhausted from the birth. "We share a daughter." 
Light, streaming in from the small window in Noni's main room, blinded him. 
"I know," she said, her voice tired but holding a purr beneath the words. 
Still dazzled, he moved his head in an effort to see her clearly. As he blinked, his vision cleared—and the 


image was gone. 
* * * 


Day 3 

General Kezule, Chosen of the God-King, Emperor Q'emgo'h, stirred, took a deep breath, and was 
instantly awake and squatting at the mouth of his lair. Peering through the bushes that concealed the 
entrance, he scanned down the slope in front of him toward the margins of the Taykui Forest. It was 
dawn. He blinked once, slowly, lash-less green lids closing over his large eyes. Forked tongue flicked 
out, tasting the air for any Sholan scent, no matter how old. Nothing. The air was clean. 

He relaxed, sitting back on the pile of grasses he'd made his bed while he slept in his laalgo trance; not to 
heal, but to pass the time until it was safe for him to venture out into the forest once more. 


For perhaps fifteen minutes he sat there, constantly surveying 
the countryside, watching for anything that 
might betray the presence of Sholan hunters. He'd had a near miss a couple of days ago. They'd been out 
in force, their soldiers quartering the last three miles at the edges of the forest, obviously determined that 
if he tried to make a break for the plains, they'd catch him. He'd concealed himself 
in the tree canopy, 
and only the fact that they'd disturbed 
a pack of wild felines with young cubs to defend had saved him 
from discovery. The soldiers had had to scatter for safety themselves, several of the slower ones getting 
badly mauled in the ensuing chaos. 

For perhaps fifteen minutes he sat there, constantly surveying 
the countryside, watching for anything that 
might betray the presence of Sholan hunters. He'd had a near miss a couple of days ago. They'd been out 
in force, their soldiers quartering the last three miles at the edges of the forest, obviously determined that 
if he tried to make a break for the plains, they'd catch him. He'd concealed himself 
in the tree canopy, 
and only the fact that they'd disturbed 
a pack of wild felines with young cubs to defend had saved him 
from discovery. The soldiers had had to scatter for safety themselves, several of the slower ones getting 
badly mauled in the ensuing chaos. 

The trances served another purpose. When in that state, there was no chance his would-be captors could 
pick up his thoughts with their telepaths, and he could save the power cell in his wrist unit. Thinking of 
that reminded him to switch it on. He'd taken it from the Sholan he'd found in the hut by the swamp at the 
beginning of this journey. He gave a hiss of amusement as he remembered him. After the treatment he'd 
received from the Sholans while in captivity, 
the groveling terror of the male had soothed his 
ego—briefly. Fear of not doing one's duty was one thing, but the abject terror displayed by the Sholan 
was that of an incompetent officer waiting for his underlings to turn on him and rend him to pieces. There 
was no dignity in witnessing 
either, especially as he couldn't afford to let him live. Scuttling the swamp 
vehicle had saddened him; he'd enjoyed using it. 

He checked the unit, making sure it was still emitting the signal that would prevent them from sensing his 
mind. It had been relatively easy to do. If they'd known in his time what the Sholan telepaths had been 
capable of, this disaster would never have befallen his people and they would still be in their rightful role 
as overlords of this world. 

Sighing, he reached for the other comm, activating one of the news nets. Fifteen minutes later, he'd 
learned nothing 
much of interest and his stomach was growling with hunger. It was time to venture out 
and hunt. Pity he'd had to leave the female: her scent had helped mask his for the short while she'd been 
with him. He frowned, remembering 
her fear of him. That had angered him beyond reason at the time. 
He'd never abused her, why hadn't she trusted him? All he had intended was to cleanse his own system 
and fulfil his obligation to her by releasing her from the compulsion his bite had caused. He'd wanted to 
mate with her as little as she'd wanted it, but it was the only way to neutralize the chemicals his teeth had 
injected into her. There had been no pleasure in it for him. It was yet another of the indignities their 
captivity had imposed on him, and for that, those who'd brought him to this time would suffer! 

When he reached their estate, then he'd begin to redress the balance—once they'd returned them all to 
his time. What they had done to him would be nothing to the sweet revenge he'd take on them! 

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm. Anger was good, but not yet. Later, when he had 
the Human female and the two male Sholans to vent it on— and maybe that hatchling of theirs, too. Time 
now to hunt, eat, and move cautiously onward to the Valsgarth estate. 

* * * 

Kaid walked down the corridor leading from the bridge to the cabin he and T'Chebbi shared with 
Giyesh. They'd all found themselves sharing quarters with crew members, undoubtedly so Tirak's people 
could keep an eye on them. Around him, like a heartbeat, he could hear the ever-present sound of the 
ship's engines. Another day, Tirak had said, then they'd be at jump point. It was taking them only three 
days to reach the requisite velocity. They must be traveling faster than the Alliance craft could, but Tirak 
was keeping those details to himself. Perhaps the Cabbar-ans had other technology that no one was 
speaking about. 


As Kaid approached the doorway to his assigned cabin, he pushed those thoughts to the back of his 
mind and pressed the lock. Giyesh was off at her post and everyone was waiting, crowded into the 
limited space. He could feel their curiosity as he crossed over to the chair left vacant for him. He let his 
gaze linger on Kate and Taynar, the young Leska pair. They sat close together, Kate obviously still 
overwhelmed by recent events. 

As Kaid approached the doorway to his assigned cabin, he pushed those thoughts to the back of his 
mind and pressed the lock. Giyesh was off at her post and everyone was waiting, crowded into the 
limited space. He could feel their curiosity as he crossed over to the chair left vacant for him. He let his 
gaze linger on Kate and Taynar, the young Leska pair. They sat close together, Kate obviously still 
overwhelmed by recent events. 

"What about Killian? Did he cause any trouble over our escape?" asked Jo. "And what about the laser 
gun we left behind?" 

Kaid's mouth opened in a faint grin. "The laser blew the minute Killian's men tried to move it, taking out 
the whole wall of his barn. He had some idea of using it on the port once he realized Railin had taken you 
there. It took Ashay showing off his shuttle piloting skills again to make Killian calm down enough to sit at 
the table with Railin and the others to form a ruling council for Jalna. I think they'll do well." 

"What's this meeting all about?" Rezac demanded suddenly. 
"We've been on board for two days now 
and you've told us damned little about what's going on here. I think we're due an explanation." 

"It's time we had a debriefing," Kaid agreed quietly. "Before I begin, I want to remind you we are guests 
on this craft. Treaty negotiations have begun, and due to the unique circumstances we all find ourselves 
in, an interim agreement has been signed. We are allied with both the U'Churians and the Cabbarans. I 
expect you to behave accordingly." 
Again, he glanced around the room, ignoring the slightly raised eye 
ridge from T'Chebbi. She'd understand 
he couldn't have briefed her sooner. 

"I'm assuming no one knows anything here, so I'll start from the beginning. Two Valtegan shuttles landed 
on Jalna some six or so months ago. One landed outside the Port, then crashed on takeoff, the other 
touched down to sell the four Sholan prisoners it carried and to buy supplies. Jo's party were sent to 
Jalna at the request of the Chemerians to find out about the first Valtegan craft, the one that crashed. 
Since Jalna is in what the Chemerians consider their home territory, until now all other Alliance members 
have been unaware of its existence." He turned to look at the three rescued Sholans, noting how Tesha 
and Jeran exchanged glances, keeping their eyes averted from Tallis, who sat slightly apart. 

"We were sent by the Alliance to find you three. The Chemerians refused to authorize a rescue mission 
for you until our team was ready. I won't go into the whys of it…" 

"I think you should," interrupted Tallis. "I, for one, want to know why we weren't more important than 
some damned crashed ship!" 

"Yeah, I'm rather curious about that myself," said Rezac from where he sprawled on one of the beds. 
"Not that I'm complaining, because it meant we were released from the stasis cube…" 

"You were in that cube?" Jeran's tone was astonished. "You were the holy relic they hauled off onto 
Jalna?" 

Tesha's laughter had a note of hysteria to it. "You were what kept us alive! If it hadn't been for that 
damned cube, the crew would have torn us apart!" 

Kaid looked from one to the other. "The Valtegans worshiped 
the cube?" 

Jeran reached for Tesha's arm, shaking it gently. "Tesha, it's over now. We're free." He looked up at 


Kaid. "Yes. It was the only thing they hated and feared more than us. They chained us in there because 
only the priest J'koshuk, and their captain, M'ezozakk, dared enter the cargo area they called the shrine 
room." 

Kaid. "Yes. It was the only thing they hated and feared more than us. They chained us in there because 
only the priest J'koshuk, and their captain, M'ezozakk, dared enter the cargo area they called the shrine 
room." 

"They were afraid of you?" 

"Modern-day Valtegans are afraid of us, Rezac. You know about Keiss from your link with Jo, so you'll 
know that when we met them there, they'd make suicide attacks rather than face capture by us." 

"What's this talk of modern Valtegans?" asked Jeran. "Are there other kinds?" 

"I told you, but you didn't listen to me," said Taynar. "They—Kaid and the two in cryo—went back in 
time to the Fire Margins. They must have met Valtegans back then." His voice was hushed as he said the 
last few words. "You did, didn't you? Oh, Gods! There were Valtegans back on Shola then! That's why 
Vartra's a God! He saved us from them!" 

Kaid briefly shut his eyes, then opened them to catch T'Chebbi's gaze across the room. Now what did he 
tell them? 

"Damned right there were!" said Rezac forcefully. "That's my time, my world! We were Vartra's first 
enhanced tele-paths. We led the rebellion against them, and won!" 

As conversations spontaneously broke out, Kaid could feel the group beginning to fragment into its 
different factions 
of loyalties. He needed to bring them together now, once and for all. 

"Enough!" he said, raising his voice to a command pitch. All conversation stopped, and eyes turned again 
to him. 

"There are no Valtegans on Shola now," he said. "Rezac's right. They're gone, and it was the telepaths 
who did it." Having gotten their attention, he moderated his tone a little. 
"The first team were sent to find 
out what they could from the crashed ship, because we still don't know where their home world is. The 
Chemerians controlled access to this sector, we couldn't come without their consent and they only 
consented because they wanted the Valtegan craft investigated. Once the first trip was made, matters 
changed." 

He grinned, a toothy, Human grin that made even Jo shiver, he noticed. "With our visit, we now hold the 
upper hand. The Chemerians' duplicity has been proved beyond doubt. They were playing the Free 
Traders off against the Alliance, keeping knowledge of them and the trading world of Jalna to themselves. 
Even those Sumaan employed by them were prohibited from talking about Jalna. No longer." 

"I can tell you why they were afraid of you," said Rezac, sitting back against the bed head. "Racial 
memory. The survivors would have programmed their descendants to respond 
to us as a threat." 

"Racial memory?" T'Chebbi spoke for the first time. 

"Yes. They never forget anything of importance. They pass it down from generation to generation." 

"How?" asked Kaid. Such unilateral species fear of an enemy such as the Military Forces on Keiss had 
met in the Valtegans could only really be accounted for by just such a system. 

"The females and the drones. They croon over their eggs, licking and handling them until they're ready to 


hatch, then they go feral again. If they aren't separated in time, they'll destroy the hatchlings as they 
emerge. I saw it happen once." 

hatch, then they go feral again. If they aren't separated in time, they'll destroy the hatchlings as they 
emerge. I saw it happen once." 

"How?" he asked again. 

"In their saliva or something," Rezac said. "I don't know for sure, but it's a fair guess." 

"How do the females get the memories in the first place if they're kept in breeding areas?" asked Tesha. 

"The drones look after them. I presume they're given the memories by the warrior caste to pass on to the 
females." 

"Drones? What drones?" asked T'Chebbi before he could. 

"They have three sexes. The androgynous drones are the most passive and they fulfill the domestic roles 
our females do in Sholan society. They're a light brown, not green like the other two sexes." 

T'Chebbi gave a snort of amusement from her position opposite the door. "You got surprise coming 
when we get home if females in your time like that!" 

Kaid frowned at her before returning his attention to Rezac. "We know nothing of the drones. Tell us 
more." 

"They were unimportant," said Rezac with a shrug of indifference. "Asexual servants, general domestics, 
they looked after the females and were used by the males for sex, not reproduction. They went in with 
the guards to retrieve 
the eggs before they hatched." His ears visibly lowered 
as he shuddered. 

"Why were you shown a hatching?" asked Kaid. He had to probe the memory now, had to learn what he 
could about their enemy. 

Rezac looked up at him, catching his gaze. "They showed us what would happen to us if Zashou ever 
turned down the Emperor's advances again," he said bleakly. "Food for the hatchlings." 

Bright and clear, the scene burned itself into Kaid's mind, merging with what he'd seen so long ago when 
under the influence of the Valtegan drug la'quo that Ghezu had given him. Images of ravenous young, 
clawing and snapping at each other in their desperate hunger, filled his mind. Shutting his eyes, he shook 
his head to dispel them. 

"Enough! I've seen them for myself!" he said, his voice raw. "Tell me how you came to be in the cube." 

"Once the rebellion in the palace had begun, they forgot us. We ran, heading for the breeding room to 
release the females to cause even more confusion, but we took a wrong turn and met a patrol. They 
chased us into a lab area, and we knew nothing more until Jo, Kris, and Davies awakened us on Jalna." 

"It was a weapons lab. They must have been testing a containment unit or something," said Zashou. 

"We were lucky," said Rezac, his hand tightening around Jo's. "Even if we've come forward in time to 
face them again, we were lucky." 

"Jalna and the laalquoi," said Kaid quietly, aware that there would be many more nightmares for Rezac 


and Zashou 
to relive before they were done. "What's the connection?" 

and Zashou 
to relive before they were done. "What's the connection?" 

"For the Jalnians even now to have one stone for each person is massive farming," said T'Chebbi. "More 
like they used world as farm." 

"Jalna is lightly populated when compared to most colony 
worlds," said Kaid. "Could the plant have 
been native 
there?" 

"No, it's a Valtegan plant," said Rezac. "About the only vegetation they do eat. It gives them chemicals 
and stuff they can't produce themselves. They must have introduced it to Jalna. They had four worlds of 
their own, Kaid, plus the Gods know how many slave worlds. We saw at least two other species on 
K'oish'ik." 

Kaid repeated the word. "K'oish'ik." At last they had a name for the world that had spawned the 
Valtegans. He caught Rezac's gaze this time. "Any like these?" he asked, visualizing first a Chemerian, 
then a Touiban. "Or this?" Lastly, a Sumaan. 

Rezac blinked and sat back abruptly in shock, banging his head on the wall behind him. Jo gave a small 
cry of pain and put her hands to her temples. 

"You shouldn't be able to do that! No one can get through my shielding!" exclaimed Rezac, shocked. 

"Were there any like them?" Kaid wasn't interested in Rezac's bruised ego: the shields had been almost 
nonexistent 
as far as he was concerned. He needed to know if the other Alliance species had ever been 
part of the Valtegans' empire. An ability to force a mental contact had its uses. 

"None," Rezac growled angrily. "Nor any like the Jalni-ans or Humans! But you've no right to force a 
contact on me like that. Dammit, you could have asked! It affected Jo as well!" 

"I hope you don't intend to do the same to the rest of us," said Taynar stiffly. "Brotherhood member or 
not, you're breaking the laws in violating the mental privacy of another being." 

Kaid could hear the quaver of fear in the lad's voice and regretted his hastiness in dealing with Rezac. 
"You did the same to Tirak," he reminded Taynar. 

"War breaks rules," said T'Chebbi. "Know from experience, 
need to catch you when memory fresh. If 
asked, you start thinking, memory fades." 

As Rezac subsided, Kaid glanced past him at her, twitching the tip of an ear in recognition that he owed 
her. 

"It's not something I do often," said Kaid. 

"Four worlds of Valtegans!" said Jeran quietly. "The odds are almost impossible. We saw the fleet that 
came to our world, Kaid. It was massive. How can we possibly defend 
ourselves against them even if 
we have gained another three allies? Rezac and those like him may have done it once, but there's so few 
high level telepaths, and we've lost all those on Khyaal and Szurtha!" 

"They did it with fewer in Rezac's time," said Kaid automatically. 


"They weren't afraid of us then," said Zashou, the beads in her many braids chiming as she pushed them 
back. 

"They weren't afraid of us then," said Zashou, the beads in her many braids chiming as she pushed them 
back. 

He pushed aside his unease. Hardly begun, this journey was already too full of portents and visions and 
feelings of danger. The world of awakened psychic senses was still too new to him; he wished he'd had 
longer to come to terms with it. Suddenly, acutely, he missed Carrie; he longed for the presence of her 
mind, calming and reassuring. And 

Kusac, who'd become the brother he'd never had—he, who'd needed no one for so long, felt more 
isolated than he had in Ghezu's prison. Instinctively, his hand reached for the crystal at his neck as he 
pushed the loneliness aside. There was work to do, he must focus on that. 

Taking a breath to steady himself, he looked at the small group of survivors from the massacre. "Jeran, 
despite what they did at Khyaal and Szurtha, I believe the Valtegans are not after us," he said. "In the 
past, they were driven from Shola, as you say. But in our time, they were driven from Keiss by us and 
the Humans, and with no reprisals. They left Jalna, too, perhaps before they originally came to Shola. 
Something more important to them than us or empire 
building seems to have their full attention for the 
moment." 

"And when they look elsewhere?" demanded Tallis, his narrow face looking more pinched than usual as 
he frowned. "What then, Kaid?" 

"Then we will meet them with a force made up of not only the Alliance, but the Free Traders," said Kaid 
calmly. "Remember that they still call in at Jalna. The Free Traders may one day have as much reason to 
fear them as we do. Rezac, Jo, why do you think they left Jalna?" 

"Same reason we had to, I assume," said Rezac. "They poisoned the soil, turned the natives too violent to 
handle. They might even have been affected by it themselves." 

"Perhaps we can fashion some of that plant from Jalna into a Valtegan specific weapon—a chemical 
weapon," said Kate. 

"Weapons of that type should be banned by all our worlds," objected Zashou. "To use something like 
that would be barbaric!" 

Around his shoulders, Jeran's sand-colored hair began to rise. "So is destroying all life on two worlds. 
When facing an enemy so dedicated to eradicating us as a species, I'm sorry, but I'll use anything that 
comes to hand!" 

"The decision wouldn't be ours anyway," said Kaid. A thought occurred to him. "Kate, Taynar, how 
many of your ship's navigation charts did the Valtegan officer who kidnapped 
you see?" 

"Some," Taynar said. "Jeezah, our pilot, managed to wipe the majority of the charts before he realized 
what she was doing, but we did use one of the outer sector ones showing the jump points. He was 
definitely heading for a friendly base." 

"Then we know a Valtegan base is reachable from the Chemerian homeworld," said Kaid quietly. 


"Rezac, did you ever see star charts, either yourself or through one of your telepathic contacts?" 

"Rezac, did you ever see star charts, either yourself or through one of your telepathic contacts?" 

"You did a commendable job. Then unless they've been collecting the salvage, there should be 
graveyards of dead ships floating around. And as far as we're aware, no Alliance 
member has ever 
come across them," murmured Kaid, thinking of the four Brotherhood outposts and the craft found there 
two hundred and fifty years ago. 

"What about the Free Traders?" asked T'Chebbi. "Maybe they find what we haven't." 

"Worth asking Tirak," agreed Kaid. "But the Chemeri-ans might be more useful. Since they've kept this," 
he indicated 
the whole ship with a sweep of his arm, "from us, what else have they concealed? Tirak 
said his people are only allowed to approach Tuushu Station on one, specific, guarded route. They don't 
have free access to the Chemerian 
system. They're just as secretive with the Free Traders as they are 
with us." 

"I want to know why the Valtegans visit Jalna every fifty years to take soil and plant samples," said Jeran. 

"To see when it's free of poison," said T'Chebbi. "Then they can come back." 

Rezac shifted uneasily. "But why leave the other species alone, let them trade there? It doesn't make 
sense. They have to control and dominate wherever they go. This is so unlike them." 

"They had four worlds. Perhaps these ones from another world," said T'Chebbi. "Perhaps still fighting 
each other." 

"Or the original slave worlds," suggested Zashou. 

"Could be either," said Kaid. "If they lost their tech level as we did, perhaps their Empire was split. They 
could have just rediscovered each other and be fighting among them-selves for dominance. It would 
explain the lack of interest in finding our home world." 

"But why destroy our two colonies?" asked Tesha. 

"The best theory so far is that they formed part of a corridor in space that ends at Keiss," said Kaid. 
"Unfortunately, 
projecting it in the opposite direction hasn't led to anything interesting. When you look at 
a holo map of those sectors of space, it becomes more obvious. Khyaal and Szurtha were just in their 
way, nothing more." 

"Figures," growled Rezac. "It's the kind of thing they would do. Destroy what they couldn't use in case it 
was a threat to them." 

"Doesn't explain Jalna, though," said T'Chebbi. 

Kaid's attention began to drift. They could speculate all they wanted, but the hard fact was none of them 
knew anything for sure. He scratched unconsciously at his throat: he felt uncomfortable, itchy. The longer 
pelt was beginning to irritate him more now than before, but the lab's potions would remain effective for 
several weeks yet, both in his black coloring and the length of his pelt. Showers were fine, but what he 
needed was a good brushing to get rid of some of the denser, inner fur. It had been well over a week 
since either he or T'Chebbi had had time for such luxuries. 


Carrie slept the sleep of winter, her body, like the ground, lying rimed with frost, her thoughts stopped 
between 
one impulse and the next. No one dreams in cryo. 

Carrie slept the sleep of winter, her body, like the ground, lying rimed with frost, her thoughts stopped 
between 
one impulse and the next. No one dreams in cryo. 

The stain inched forward toward the tree line that marked the boundary of their estate and there it 
stopped for the moment while she fought against the insidious chill, trying to remember. When it began to 
move again, the memory flooded back. It was as green as the drug la'quo that Kezule had used to travel 
through time! 

She could hear the sound of her cub crying. Kashini! She'd left her daughter alone! Hard on its heels 
came the memory of her own mother in cryo on the outward trip to Keiss, the trip that had cost so many 
lives. 

"Mother! Don't leave me!" she'd cried out to the silence of the sleeping ship. 

She'd tried to move, to scream—anything to draw attention 
to herself, let them know her mother needed 
their help as she relived her first cryo nightmare. Terror flooded through her as she realized she was just 
as powerless, just as trapped as before—and just as aware of the threat to her daughter as she'd been of 
the danger to her mother those many years ago. 

Pain lanced through her, burning, searing pain in her right side as she became aware of the distant sound 
of a klaxon. The realization she was in a cryo chamber came to her then, shocking and terrifying her more 
if it were possible. 
Then common sense took over: they must be waking her, how else could she feel the 
pain of her wound? Let them be quick, she prayed as she pushed the fear back. They had to know that 
Kezule was loose and heading for her daughter! 

The klaxon roused Mrowbay from his desk. Leaping to his feet, he ran for the cryo units, yelling out a 
command for the alarm to cease, demanding a report from the medical 
computer. 

"Life signs of patient in unit one fluctuating above acceptable 
limit," the electronic voice intoned. 
"Recommend increasing anaesthetic and coolant levels." 

"Implement," snapped the medic, punching a sequence out on the control panel of Carrie's unit to review 
the errant 
readings. 

Perception blurred and slowed as the frozen mists began to rise around her again. Not waking her at all, 
they were making her sleep! In desperation, she reached out with her mind for Kaid. He was her Third, 
mentally Linked to her and Kusac, he'd sense what was happening and intervene to help her! 

* * * 

Moments before the klaxon sounded, Kaid stiffened, reaching for the crystal at his throat—not the large 
one that linked him with Carrie, but the smaller one in the center of his Triad pendant. He knew instantly 
something was wrong with her. 

"T'Chebbi, take over," he said, rising to his feet and walking to the door. "I have to attend to something." 

In the passageway, he broke into a run. Mrowbay looked up from Carrie's unit as he entered the sick 


bay, claws skidding on the floor as he came to an abrupt stop beside him. 

bay, claws skidding on the floor as he came to an abrupt stop beside him. 

"You can't have," said Mrowbay, hitting the final keys before looking up at him. "I know you're 
concerned for her, but no one can be aware of anything in cryo. It's impossible." 

"Not for her. She's done it before. Tell me what happened." 

"Nothing. Just some minor fluctuations in the levels of…" 

"Wake her," interrupted Kaid. "She's aware, that's why your levels are out. She'll be terrified. Wake her." 

"I can't. I've just increased the depth of her sleep," objected 
Mrowbay. "If I tried, she'd die, Kaid. The 
shock to her system would be too great." 

Already he could feel his pendant cooling, the nebulous almost-contact with her fading. The medic was 
right. To wake her now without the proper medical care would kill her. "She's aware, Mrowbay," he said 
more calmly. "If we can't wake her, then put her deeper so we know she's really sleeping." 

"What you claim is impossible, Kaid," said the U'Churian, 
taking Kaid by the arm in an effort to urge 
him away from the unit. "I know my equipment, and I've had a Human female in cryo before. Kate said 
nothing about dreams when she came out." 

Kaid clenched his feet, claws gripping the floor covering as he refused to be moved. "And I know Carrie. 
Her memories 
are mine, Mrowbay. She was aware in cryo. Put her deeper. If we can't wake her long 
enough to calm her fears, then put her deeper." 

"Do as he asks," said a voice from the doorway. "If he says he senses her mind, then he's right. Do it on 
our responsibility," said Rezac. "We know the workings of our Leskas' minds as well as you know your 
equipment." 

Kaid glanced over at him from beneath lowered brows, unsure whether to be glad of the intrusion. 

"Very well," sighed the beleaguered medic, turning back to the unit. "But on your heads be it." 

Rezac remained where he was till Mrowbay had finished and returned to his office. Then he joined Kaid 
by Carrie's 
unit. 

"Tell me about the Triads," he said. "How close does the link to your third grow?" 

"I'm not the one to ask," said Kaid, moving away from him. "In a few days we'll be on the M'Zekko. 
There'll be a mentor there who can tell you what you need to know." 

"I don't want theory. You're a member of the first Triad. You've got the personal experience," said 
Rezac, grasping him by the arm. 

Kaid could sense Rezac's concern, the need the younger male had had to help him, and his confusion as 
to why it should be so important to him to do it. He was trying to conceal it beneath the request for 
information on the Triads, 
but he could feel the truth of it. As difficult as his position was, Rezac's was 
worse. While he, as. the son, could try to ignore their biological relationship, Rezac, as his father, 
obviously could not. On some strange, subconscious 
level, he was aware of the relationship. 


It surged through him then, a feeling from Rezac akin to what he felt when he touched his own son, 
Dzaka. With his free hand, he carefully disengaged himself from Rezac's 
grasp. 

It surged through him then, a feeling from Rezac akin to what he felt when he touched his own son, 
Dzaka. With his free hand, he carefully disengaged himself from Rezac's 
grasp. 

"You must be able to tell me something! Is it like a 

Leska Link? Are there Link days?" He spread his hands in a plea for help. "I still sense nothing from 
Zashou, and as for Jo…" He stopped in mid-sentence, ears dipping in the Sholan equivalent of a shrug. 
"What do I do, Kaid? She's my soul's mate, yet I still love Zashou. She was my first love, my own kind, 
the one I wanted above all others, even if she hates me except during our Link time." 

Kaid's mouth widened slightly in a sardonic Human smile. He understood only too well, except Carrie, 
Kusac, and T'Chebbi were tied in his impossible dreams. 

"You love them each as well as you can," he said, reaching 
out to touch the other's shoulder 
comfortingly. "Love them for their own worth, don't compare them or how you feel about each of them. 
And thank the Gods for Their double gift!" 

"But what of Link days?" 

Kaid lifted his shoulders in the Human shrug. "It depends 
on how closely you're Linked to Jo." 

"She's always there. I haven't been able to sense Zashou since she lost our cub. It's as if Jo's replaced 
her." He was unable to stop his ears from lying flat in distress. 

"It'll take some time for Zashou to recover," Kaid said awkwardly, remembering how Carrie had been 
after she'd lost her first child. He didn't want to talk about himself and Carrie, and especially not to this 
brash young male. Then he forced himself to remember that this time, Rezac was not being brash, was 
not pushing himself forward, but was instead asking for help. 

"We don't have Link days," he continued slowly. "We're gradually drawn to each other—we know when 
it's our time. A Triad is more than that. It's a legal marriage between 
the three of us. The cubs Carrie has 
belong to us all." 

"And now? With them both in cryo? How do you cope?" 

Kaid stiffened, closing down the light rapport he'd permitted 
between himself and—his father. "I wait," 
he said shortly, and began to move out into the corridor. "I've told you all I know. At Valsgarth, our Clan 
estate, you'll learn the rest." 

* * * 

"We've found nothing," said Raiban in disgust. "My people 
can't even tell me if Kezule's still in the 
Taykui Forest or not!" 

"Then you'll have to spread the search wider still," said Rhyaz calmly, regarding the General of Military 
Intelligence 
on his comm screen. She looked tired and harassed, as well she might under the 
circumstances. "He's not likely to want to remain hidden in the forest. He'll have some destination in mind 
by now." 

"Obviously," she snapped. "It's where he's likely to head for that's got me worried." 


Rhyaz raised an eye ridge. "Where's that?" 

Rhyaz raised an eye ridge. "Where's that?" 

"I think not, General. If I read him right, he'll not do that." 

"Oh, and where d'you think he'll go? Back to Chezy and the ancient Valtegan hatching ground?" 

"Perhaps. It's more likely than the spaceport." 

"You're not exactly being helpful Rhyaz." 

"May I remind you, General, that after your people let Kezule escape, you personally refused us entry to 
the facility 
at Shanagi? If I remember rightly, you said…" 

"I know what I said, dammit! That was in the heat of the moment," she said tartly. "If I'm going to spread 
our net wider, we'll need the Brotherhood's help. I'm not prepared 
to advise we lessen our defense 
commitment to track down one Valtegan when we face a larger threat from them in space." 

Rhyaz inclined his head. "The Brotherhood is more than willing to help you, General. What about Keeza 
Lassah?" 

Raiban gestured briefly. "They found her shredded clothing, 
covered in her blood, and traces of his. 
She's dead, Rhyaz." 

"You found her body?" 

"Don't need to. If he didn't eat her, then one of the feral cats did. And by the way, it was General Naika's 
staff who were on duty when Kezule escaped." 

"Ah, then we're no longer being held responsible? That's good to know. Thank you for telling me, 
General." He held his peace on the issue of Keeza. Brotherhood personnel were already looking for her; 
he wanted her alive and that meant kept out of Raiban's claws. As far as he was concerned, 
she wasn't 
dead until he saw her corpse. 

Raiban growled gently. "I want your people guarding the spaceport, Master Rhyaz," she said. "Every 
passenger has to be checked, every piece of luggage and cargo large enough for Kezule to conceal 
himself in, and every vehicle not only guarded from the moment it lands, but searched immediately prior 
to takeoff." 

"You're going to need an explanation for the newsvids, General. This is going to cause long delays and be 
very unpopular with everyone. And as I said, I think he's very unlikely to head for there. My bet is he'll 
make for the Valsgarth estate." 

"Revenge? It might be the Brotherhood's way, but that male is a professional soldier, Rhyaz, a general! 
His priority will be to return to the nearest unit of his people." 

He could hear the amusement in Raiban's voice and decided 
to ignore the insult. "Not revenge, a desire 
to return to his own time and reverse what has happened to his species' 
future on Shola. Security on the 
Aldatan and Valsgarth 
estates needs to be increased, General." 

"There's enough people there already. In fact, I'm tempted to pull some out to help us catch Kezule. 
There hasn't been any threat to the mixed Leskas for a long time. If you want more soldiers, you'll have 
to use your own people, Rhyaz, if you've any left after deploying them at the spaceport. I expect them to 


be in position first thing tomorrow morning. Send me a list of the names and numbers 
you're sending and 


I'll have them added to the Forces payroll. Good day, Rhyaz." 
As soon as the screen blanked, Rhyaz turned to his aide, L'Seuli. "She's right, we won't have the 
personnel on Shola to spare. Once you've drawn up Raiban's list and issued orders for those concerned, 
check the active roster and see who we can recall without arousing suspicion." 


"Are you sure he'll head for there, Master Rhyaz?" 
"No, but it's more likely than the spaceport." 
"What about Chezy? Kezule took Fyak back to his time from there. He might be able to use the same 


method to take himself back." 
"I've already got a small unit there, just in case." 


* * * 

As Brynne approached Stronghold, the winds caught the small aircar, buffeting it from side to side as he 
attempted to descend toward the outer walls. 

"Control to approaching 'car. Ident codes required for permission to land." The voice filled the tiny 
vehicle, its highland burr obvious even to him. 

"I don't have any," said Brynne. Until this moment, he'd had no doubts about making this journey. "Do I 
need one? I'm from Valsgarth estate. Do I really need one?" He was having his work cut out to control 
the vehicle in the strong crosswinds. 

"Name?" The voice, relaxed before, was suddenly crisp. 

"Brynne Stevens." 

"We have no notification from Valsgarth that you're expected." 

"I'm not," he said, hauling on the semicircular control bar as the craft suddenly began to drop toward the 
walls at an alarming rate. "Look, I've never been here before, and I'm having a devil of a job flying this 
'car right now…" 

A second voice cut him short. "Concentrate on your flying, 
Mr. Stevens. We're having the central 
courtyard cleared for you. Land as soon as you can. Remain in your vehicle, you'll be met." 

He sounded angry, Brynne thought as he glanced briefly out of the side window. Damn. That's all he 
needed, to start off on the wrong foot. Below, figures were running out of the gatehouse toward the 
groups of students in the courtyard. 

Embarrassment flooded through him and he was glad the aircar didn't have a vid unit. Maybe arriving 
unannounced like this was the worst thing he could do, but at least they hadn't refused him permission to 
land. 

He was met by one of the black-robed Brothers, who, with punctilious formality, escorted him to Father 
Lijou's office. This was the first time he'd had any real dealings with the Head Priest and, as the older 
Sholan rose to his feet and came out from behind his desk to greet him, he was subjected to the priest's 
piercing gaze. 

"Mister Stevens," Lijou said, extending his hand toward him, palm uppermost. "An unexpected pleasure, 


indeed. This is your first visit to Stronghold, I believe." 

indeed. This is your first visit to Stronghold, I believe." 

"Then we must let you see round Stronghold," said Lijou. "But tell me, what brings you here? And so 
unexpectedly." 
The last was said with an under-purr of amusement. 
"Landing here is a specialized skill. 
Your arrival caused quite a stir." 

Brynne noticed irrelevancies, like the broad gray streaks that framed the Father's dark-pelted face. When 
Lijou's mouth opened in a slight smile, he looked down at his hands. "I didn't mean to put the wind under 
everyone's tails," he muttered, part defensively, part embarrassed. 

"An interesting way to put it," said Lijou. "It looked rather more like the wind was under your tail. Now, 
what brings you to our hallowed halls?" 

"I don't know." Brynne looked up at him. "I hoped you'd be able to tell me. The need to come here has 
been growing for weeks now." 

"Our Gods indeed have long arms, Brynne Stevens. You're the first of the Humans to be called by Them, 
but doubtless not the last. As a member of the En'Shalla Clan, you're automatically a member of the 
Brotherhood. However, 
I think it's time you swore to our Creed and became a properly initiated 
member. You need to start your training 
with us." The Head Priest got to his feet. "I advise you to tell 
your Leska that you'll be based here for the foreseeable 
future, Brother Brynne." 

"He's been sworn in?" asked Master Rhyaz. 

"I did it immediately. I have twinned him with Jurrel. They're collecting his basic kit from housekeeping at 
present. 
And, yes, first thing tomorrow, he'll be taught how to handle that aircar of his properly," Lijou 
smiled. 

Rhyaz nodded. "I thought we'd lose him the way the winds caught that 'car of his. It's most unsuitable, 
merely a runabout for the cities. He should be allocated something more robust in future." 

"Doubtless that will be one of the first things Garras does when he next returns to the estate," said Lijou. 
"I'm dividing Brynne's training between ourselves and Dhaika at the Retreat. We have plans for this 
Human." 

"Oh?" Rhyaz' tone was one of polite curiosity. 

Lijou shook his head. "Religious matters, Rhyaz, nothing that you need concern yourself with as yet." 

The other flicked an ear in compliance. "What of Var-tra?" he asked cautiously. "Have your meditations 
and prayers elicited anything more about His warning?" 

"I'd have told you immediately," Lijou replied, a pained expression crossing his face. "I understand the 
significance of being handed the Guild coin, Rhyaz. Whatever the nature 
of this task He has for us is, so 
far, He's keeping it to Himself. What did you do with the coin He gave me?" 

"Put it back in the vault where it belongs. I've also done as He said and put all our people in the field on 
alert. They're to report any dreams or visions of the God immediately, 
either to yourself or to me. I can't 
help but wonder if this isn't all connected to Kezule's escape." 


"Who knows but the God?" sighed Lijou. His thoughts turned toward the three people still missing. 
"What of Kez-ule, Keeza Lassah, and the Human, Derwent? Have the searchers found anything at all 
yet?" 

"Who knows but the God?" sighed Lijou. His thoughts turned toward the three people still missing. 
"What of Kez-ule, Keeza Lassah, and the Human, Derwent? Have the searchers found anything at all 
yet?" 

"Then she's dead," sighed Lijou, getting up from the chair. 

"I'd prefer a body before pronouncing her dead," temporized 
Rhyaz. "The Taykui Forest is vast, we've 
only covered 
a fraction of it. Kezule could still be out there, dug in deep in some cave, doing his 
hibernation trick till he thinks our guard is down. Our telepaths can't sense a trace of any of them. I have 
a feeling we're not going to find them, they're going to find us when they're good and ready. The same 
applies to Derwent." 

"What about calling in the Sumaan? They have ways of tracking their own people that might work well 
with a species 
as similar as the Valtegans." 

"And admit we've secretly been holding a Valtegan? I think not, Lijou." 

"Just a suggestion," said Lijou, making for the door. He stopped, hand on the lever. "Rhyaz, if we have to 
recall all the Brothers because of this warning from Vartra, and contact 
the Instructors, how many 
people do we actually have?" 

"Enough," said the warrior leader grimly. "Let's just pray it doesn't come to that. Part of our strength is 
that our numbers and resources are unknown." 

CHAPTER 3 

NONI was not happy. As she pottered about her kitchen making the batter for her pan-fried cakes for 
first meal, she muttered and cursed under her breath. There was a light rap at the door, and Teusi 
entered. 

"Good morning, Noni. May the sun shine on you." 

She grunted as she began to pour the mixture into the hot pan. "Some chance of that. I need you to set 
up the back room again, lad. We got company coming." 

"Oh? When? And who?" he asked, taking his coat off and hanging it on the wall hook near the door. 

"How the devil should I know? I'm nobody, after all. Just an old female here to do the Gods' bidding! 
You'd think I was running an Accommodation Guildhouse the way They send me lodgers!" 

The batter hissed and spat for a moment or two as she tilted the pan, coating its base with the golden 
liquid. 

Teusi took the kettle from the hob to the faucet to fill it. "A vision, is it, Noni?" he asked quietly as he 
turned on the tap. 

"Of course a vision! What d'you think—I got one of them comm units plugged directly into Their 
realms?" She snorted her disgust. "As to who and when, you think They're going to be so obliging as to 
tell me that? You wait till your time comes, youngling! I'm lucky to get any kind of warning at all!" 

"I'll start now," he said, returning to the stove with the filled kettle. 


"After first meal's soon enough," said Noni gruffly, regretting 
taking her temper out on him. Teusi was a 
good lad, a fine apprentice. No substitute for Tallinu, but then she'd known from the day the Brothers 
had brought him back from Ranz that he'd not succeed her. His path was one she'd not have willingly 
trod at any stage in her life. 

"After first meal's soon enough," said Noni gruffly, regretting 
taking her temper out on him. Teusi was a 
good lad, a fine apprentice. No substitute for Tallinu, but then she'd known from the day the Brothers 
had brought him back from Ranz that he'd not succeed her. His path was one she'd not have willingly 
trod at any stage in her life. 

* * * 

It had been a confusing day, thought Brynne, as he followed 
Jurrel out of the Shrine of Ghyakulla, back 
into the Temple of Vartra. He was overwhelmed by it all, he realized 
as he walked between the huge 
supporting pillars into the main aisle. 

Ahead of him stood the huge statue of the seated God, a glowing brazier held between His hands. He 
hesitated, then took a step forward. Jurrel's hand, dark pelt almost invisible against the black robe he 
now wore, held him back. 

"You forgot the incense," the Sholan said quietly. "Always 
the God is due our respect." 

Brynne could feel the blood rush to his face as he quickly turned away to take a piece of incense from the 
container by the nearest brazier. 

"It's easily done," Jurrel said, picking a piece himself to crumble over the glowing coals. "Especially when 
there is so much to remember." 

Brynne looked up at the statue, blinking as the light from the God's crystal eyes reflected into his face. 
"Ghyan taught me better," he said, stepping back quickly as the perfumed smoke surrounded him. 

"Allow yourself to occasionally forget and make mistakes, 
Brynne Stevens," said a new voice from 
behind them. 

Jurrel bowed to the God before turning round. "Tutor Kha'Qwa." 

Brynne found himself face to face with the Head Priest's titian-pelted life-mate. He quickly inclined his 
head to one side, echoing Jurrel's greeting. 

Surprisingly, she linked her arm through his and led him down the aisle toward the entrance. "We shall go 
to the west wing senior common room, Jurrel," she said over her shoulder. "You can go ahead and make 
sure it's empty for us." 

"Yes, Tutor," murmured Jurrel, dipping his head again before hurrying off to do her bidding. 

Kha'Qwa leaned heavily on his arm. "We'll follow at a more sedate pace and take the elevator up." She 
smiled at him, her green eyes sparkling in amusement at his obvious confusion. "I'm not inclined to walk 
too far these days. How is your little one? Marak, isn't it?" 

Brynne had been trying not to notice her obvious pregnancy. 
"He's fine. They say he's doing well for his 
age," he mumbled, unsure how to address the Guild Master's wife. Wasn't there some unspoken code 
about heavily pregnant 
females remaining on their estates? Worries chased each other around inside his 
head. 

The hand on his arm tightened, claws unsheathing only enough to prick the fabric of his robe sleeve 
before retracting. 
"I am on my estate," she said gently, an amused purr underlying her voice. "The 
Brotherhood is my home, Brynne, as it is yours now. Apart from you En'Shallans, we renounce all family 


ties when we join. And there are no prohibitions on where we females can go when pregnant, 
it's just 
that many prefer to stay home. Carrying and sharing a cub with the one you love is a joyful time to be 
experienced with one's family." She stopped at the heavy doors leading out into the main entrance. "It's 
also not that easy to walk upright when carrying this weight," she laughed, patting her belly. 

ties when we join. And there are no prohibitions on where we females can go when pregnant, 
it's just 
that many prefer to stay home. Carrying and sharing a cub with the one you love is a joyful time to be 
experienced with one's family." She stopped at the heavy doors leading out into the main entrance. "It's 
also not that easy to walk upright when carrying this weight," she laughed, patting her belly. 

"That's why you came to us," she agreed, waiting for him to open the door. "But the first thing you should 
know is that there is no time limit on your learning. Each of us progresses at his or her own rate within the 
religious side of the Order. This is not like one of your Terran colleges. No exams to sit, tests to take. 
We, and you, will know when you're ready to advance. We've twinned you with Jurrel because he's just 
returned from a tour of duty on Keiss, so he's had experience with your species. Normal rules can hardly 
be applied to you since you've reached maturity, so you're free to leave Stronghold for the delights of the 
local villages during your leisure time. All we ask is that you take Jurrel with you. Humans are still a 
novelty in these parts." She stopped at the elevator door, leaning against him more heavily now. 

"Jurrel says I'll be learning warrior skills, too." 

"Of course. We believe that body and mind are one entity." 

The elevator doors slid apart with a tiny hiss of compressed 
air. 

"I'm sure you'll find many of the answers you seek here, Brynne," she said, as they stepped inside. 

* * * 

"I think it most unfair that the Clan Lord didn't choose a mate for you this year," complained the young 
female sitting at Kitra's left. "He's treating you differently just because 
he's your father." 

"She's the youngest in our year," T'Chya pointed out, taking the last fruit pastry from the plate in the 
center of their table. "At least we know the worst now, Kitra has to wait. It's not as if any bonding 
ceremonies will be held before the year's out anyway." 

Kitra sat quietly, chewing her food, well aware that both her friends were right. Because of her age, her 
father had, indeed, yielded to intense pressure from her mother to postpone a betrothal until the following 
year. 

"I still think it's unfair, and so does my father," said Chisoe. "He's complaining to the Clan Lord today." 

"That's only because you're jealous of Kitra," said T'Chya. "You'd hoped to get one of the Brothers for 
yourself 
instead of a telepath." 

"Not true! I don't think Kitra has a Companion anyway! I think he's just her bodyguard and she's making 
it all up." 

"You talk such rubbish, Chisoe," said Ghaysa, stretching as she began to push her chair back from the 
table. 

"Then she should prove it! What's it like having a mind-dead lover, Kitra?" demanded Chisoe, rounding 
on her. "Do you get bored? Is he rough because he can't know what pleases you?" she taunted, flicking 
her ears forward aggressively. 

Kitra swallowed the mouthful so hurriedly she almost choked on it. "He's not mind-dead, we can sense 
each other easily! And he's the gentlest person I know!" 


"My proof comes from her own mouth!" said Chisoe triumphantly. "She's lying! How can a non-telepath 
sense anything, or a trained killer be gentle with any female?" 

"My proof comes from her own mouth!" said Chisoe triumphantly. "She's lying! How can a non-telepath 
sense anything, or a trained killer be gentle with any female?" 

"Way I heard it, you chose him, Kitra," said Ghaysa. "I'm not saying I agree with Chisoe, but you must 
admit it looks peculiar, going outside our own kind for your first lover, and now you're choosing to stay 
with him. Aren't you carrying being different too far? You don't have to copy Taizia and Kusac, you 
know." 

Kitra got to her feet. "Fine friends you are," she said, fighting to slow her breathing and prevent her sight 
narrowing 
on the other females around the table. "You accuse me of lying and being incapable of making 
my own mind up, while mocking my choice at the same time!" She stormed out of the refectory, pushing 
her way past the other students. 

It was so unfair! She was caught between two worlds— the adult one of Dzaka and her self-imposed 
responsibilities 
for her young niece, Kashini, and the world of the Telepath Guild, where she was 
considered little more than a kitling. Not just that, but even Dzaka thought her too young to make any 
commitment to him and refused to be seen with her outside the estate! 

Tears filled her eyes, and as she began to lope down the corridor toward the main door, she didn't see 
the Human female who neatly sidestepped into her path. 

The collision was abrupt and would have sent her reeling if strong hands hadn't gripped her firmly by the 
shoulders. 

"Careful there! You need to watch where you're going, young woman!" said a voice she recognized. 
"Wait a moment, 
it's Kitra, isn't it?" 

She dashed a hand across her eyes, blinking furiously till she could see Ruth, praying the other hadn't 
seen her tears. She glanced around, but there was no escape and the female 
still held her by one 
shoulder. Behind her, she could hear her name being called by Ghaysa. 

"Hello, Ruth. You'll have to excuse me, but…" she began hurriedly, trying to pull away. 

Ruth turned and, slipping an arm across her shoulders, drew her on toward the outer door. "Don't tell me 
you're playing hooky from lessons, too! What luck! C'mon, I know just the place to go!" 

Inexorably, she was drawn out into the grounds in Ruth's wake. 

"I come to the Guild several times a week for lessons," said her companion as they walked briskly to the 
outer gates. "It's not easy for me to go back to school after so long running my own life, you know, and 
every now and then it gets to be too much for me." 

Stunned until now, Kitra found her voice as she realized they were approaching the gatekeeper. She hung 
back, knowing he'd stop them. 

"Not a problem. You just watch me," whispered Ruth. 

She made no attempt to slow down, and barely nodded in his direction, then they were out in the street, 
free and clear. 

"But how did you… You're not allowed to leave…" 


"I'm En'Shalla, and an adult, and if I behave as if I've a right to leave, why should he question me?" She 
stopped to give Kitra an impulsive hug before taking her by the hand and dragging her on down the street 
through the midday 
shoppers. "That's the trick, you know. Looking as if you've every right to be doing 
what you're doing." 

"I'm En'Shalla, and an adult, and if I behave as if I've a right to leave, why should he question me?" She 
stopped to give Kitra an impulsive hug before taking her by the hand and dragging her on down the street 
through the midday 
shoppers. "That's the trick, you know. Looking as if you've every right to be doing 
what you're doing." 

"Order what you want," said Ruth as the attendant came over. "My treat for giving me your company." 

Kitra stammered out an order for coffee, which Ruth echoed, then added a request for a plate of cold 
cuts of spiced meats. 

"You've had to go back to school?" Kitra asked as soon as they were alone. She had to ask because it 
sounded so unlikely. No adult went back to school! "Why? Don't you feel as if they're taking your adult 
status away, making you a cub again?" 

Ruth reached across the table to touch her hand. "I go back because there's so much I want to learn, 
Kitra, and I cope because of that. When I go home, I'm in charge of my own life." 

"Father has sent me back to stay at the Guild," she said, blinking as her eyes began to fill once more. "I 
don't have that option." She looked away, wishing she was anywhere else, wishing she could control her 
tears like an adult. 

"It must be worse for you," said Ruth sympathetically, "especially after running your brother's house. Why 
don't you ask to be allowed to commute to the Guild instead?" 

She flicked her ears back in a negative gesture, not daring to shake her head lest the tears spill over. 
"Father says I must come back because of his position as Clan Lord. Tai-zia has the excuse of Khayla to 
look after, I've none." 

"Then why not get Dzaka to ask for quarters in the guest house a couple of nights a week? It would at 
least give you some time together away from your classmates." 

That did it. The tears, despite furious blinking, spilled down her cheeks, and she snatched her hand away 
from Ruth's. Hands covering her face, she tried to explain. "Dzaka won't… He'll not 
acknowledge—me—outside the estate." It was difficult to talk when her throat was so tight. 

Suddenly she found herself enveloped by Ruth, her ribs almost cracking with the fierceness of the 
Human's hug. "That no-good, fair weather…" 

"No!" she said, pushing against Ruth's encircling arms. "You don't understand, it isn't like that!" 

"It had better not be," said the older woman grimly, releasing her and sitting back. 

"He's just afraid for me, afraid it would harm my reputation. 
That other males wouldn't approach me 
because he's a Brother." She scrubbed at her eyes, determined that Ruth not think badly of him. 

"What's this about other males? Does he want to share you?" 

"No, but…" 

"Then is he tired of you?" 

"I don't think so…" She barely had time to form one answer before Ruth had fired another question at 


her. 
"Does he love you?" 
"Of course!" Then she realized that in all the time they'd been together, she couldn't actually remember 


him saying those words. "I assume he does." 
"So it's a commitment he's afraid of." 
"He says I should get to know other males before deciding 
on a life-mate." 
"Do you love him?" Ruth regarded her carefully. 
"Oh, yes," said Kitra, ears lying back a little despite her efforts to not betray her feelings. "I knew it was 


him I wanted from the first night. I can sense him, Ruth, and he does love me, even if he can't say so." 
A discreet knock on the side of their booth heralded the arrival of their drinks. 
Ruth had decided what she was going to do long before she delivered Kitra back to the Guild. On her 


return to the estate, she went to the villa in search of Dzaka. 
By the time she'd finished talking to him, he had come to the conclusion that redheaded Sholans and 
Humans had a lot in common and was thinking fondly of his school days at Stronghold. Never had he 

been given such a dressing-down, even from Kaid, after the worst of his escapades. He was surprised at 
just how many Sholan swear words and phrases Ruth knew how to use. 
"You've reduced her to the level of a child, Dzaka, in the eyes of her classmates at the Guild! If you 

thought she was so young, why did you let this go beyond the first night? Why string her along if you 

don't love her?" 
"I do love her!" he retorted, stung by the accusation. "I asked her to be my Companion, didn't I? That's a 
commitment!" 
His tail hung low, brushing against the backs of his legs, and his ears were flat against his 
skull in embarrassment. 
This was almost as unbearable as his interview with Carrie and Rhyasha, Kitra's 
mother, had been. For an empath like himself, being exposed to Ruth's contempt for him and concern for 
Kitra was a grueling experience. 

"That means nothing when it's kept from the rest of her world." 

"I'm only trying to do what's best for both of us! The Clan Lord would never consent to any kind of 
bonding while she's so young and inexperienced. She has to meet other males…" 
"Experience be damned! You just want the best of both worlds! Her and your freedom!" 
"Not true!" 
"Then prove it." Ruth's voice was suddenly quiet. "Go to the Guild and spend the night with her at the 


guest house. Go as her lover, her Companion. Show those jealous little jeggets that your female is no 
child, that she's worthy of the love of one of the Brothers. And go in your Brotherhood 
uniform!" 
"What?" Her last comment had thrown him. "Why?" 
"Because they're saying she's lying. That you're merely her keeper, her bodyguard." 
Dzaka began to growl without realizing it. "They call her a liar?" 



Ruth nodded. "They fantasize about attracting a Warrior or a Brother, but tell Kitra she's so young no 


one would look at her twice. They're making her life miserable, Dzaka." 
"You're right," he said abruptly, getting to his feet. "I wasn't aware this was happening. I'll go to the 
Guild." 


She waited till he reached the door. "Dzaka, if you stop at the kitchen, Zhala will have a basket of Kitra's 


favorite foods ready for you to take with you." 
He grinned at her then. "You're a conniving she-jegget yourself, Ruth. So what should I wear? This robe, 
or my grays?" 


"Oh, the grays, definitely. You're visibly armed and look so much more dangerous. The other females will 


be mad with jealousy!" 
"Is that what attracted you to Rulla?" he asked innocently. 
He made a hurried exit as a cushion sailed 
through the air toward him. 


From the moment he'd arrived at the Telepath Guild, he'd been noticed. As he made his way through the 
front doors, the Warriors on duty there snapped to attention and their officer came over to him. 


"Good evening, Brother. No trouble I hope." His eye ridges met in a concerned frown. 
"Nothing. Merely a social visit," said Dzaka. Mindful of Ruth's browbeating, he forced himself to 
continue. "I'm here to see my Companion." 


The officer's eye ridges disappeared in surprise but he said nothing, merely nodded then rejoined his 


fellow guards. 
Dzaka continued past them to the office, where he was subjected to more of the same stark curiosity 
when he requested 
overnight accommodation for himself and Liegena 


Kitra Aldatan. It was granted, of course, and they directed him to the classroom where her last lesson 


was about to finish. 
Strengthening his mental shields, he headed off to wait for her. As the bell signaling the end of lessons 
began to ring, the students came surging out of the classrooms, slowing 
as they saw him lounging against 
the wall. This was going to be the truly difficult part. He was not one to show his emotions publicly; it was 
not the Brotherhood way, nor his. 


"You're wearing purple," said a voice at his elbow. 
Turning his head, he found himself looking down at a young female. 
"Only telepaths can wear purple," she continued. 
"And the Brotherhood," he replied. "We're En'Shalla, talented like you." He could sense Kitra now and 


turned back to look at the classroom. 
She looked smaller than he remembered, standing there in the doorway, dwarfed by some of the larger 


females around her. Even shielded, he could always sense her to some degree, and now he could feel her 
confusion at his presence. 
"Excuse me," he said, pushing himself away from the wall to go over to her. 



"I see your bodyguard's checking up on you, Kitra," said one of the females beside her. 
Kitra ignored her. "Dzaka, there's nothing wrong at the villa is there?" she asked, concern on her face. 
"Nothing," he said, reaching out to touch her hair and breathe in her scent. "I missed you, that's all." It 


was true, and he was surprised at how easy it had been to say it. He let his hand slip down to circle her 


throat in an intimate gesture of affection. 
She tilted her head, resting her cheek against his arm and smiled up uncertainly at him. "It's good to see 
you." 


The gesture was wonderfully familiar and suddenly he forgot the reserve and training that made him 
suppress his emotions. The others ceased to exist; there were only the two of them. He swept her close 
with his other arm, bending 
down to nuzzle her cheek and jaw. 

"I hope you're free till morning," he murmured in her ear. "I made plans for us." 

She returned the embrace, and the glow of pleasure he felt from her made Ruth's chastisement 
worthwhile. 
"What have you arranged?" she asked. 
"The guest house. Zhala packed some food for us." 
"You're teasing me!" she said, looking up at him as he drew her away from the classroom. "No, you're 


not, I can sense it! This isn't because of Ruth, is it? Because there was no need…" 
"Maybe at first, but not now," he said. "You should have told me what was happening, how you felt. 


You're my Companion, Kitra, and I want to be with you, on Valsgarth estate and here in the Telepath 
Guild." He began to cover her face in tiny bites and licks, ending with a kiss. 
There was the sound of someone clearing their throat, then a voice said, "Excuse me, Brother Dzaka." 
Guiltily, they broke apart and turned to face Guild Master 
Sorli. 
"I don't think the corridor is quite the place for such an enthusiastic greeting. We try to discourage the 


students from such behavior in public. Perhaps Kitra could show you the gardens, or one of the smaller 


common rooms?" 
As Kitra clutched his arm in distress, Dzaka once more wished the floor would open up for him, until he 
saw a twitch of amusement at the side of the Guild Master's mouth. 


"Better still, why not just take her to the guest house?" Sorli continued quietly. "Your rooms should be 


ready by now. And, Dzaka, it's nice to see you visiting Kitra. She's been a little low in spirits lately." 
"Yes, Master Sorli," he murmured, edging toward the door again, Kitra's hand clasped firmly and 
reassuringly in his. "We were just leaving." 


As fast as politeness allowed, they made their way out into the courtyard. Once there, Kitra began to 
laugh. 
"What's so funny?" he asked, glancing at her as they headed over to where he'd parked the aircar. 
"You. You should have seen yourself when Sorli came up behind us like that!" 



"You were just as embarrassed," he pointed out. "And left with as little dignity as me." 
She began to run, dragging him after her, her steps almost 
small bounds of sheer pleasure. "But what 


was best." she said, stopping at the side of his aircar, "What was really best, was T'Chya, Chisoe, and 
Ghaysa! I could feel them hating me when they saw you waiting there." 
He looked round at her as he opened the hatch. Eyes sparkling with mischief, her unbound hair caught by 


a slight breeze, he hadn't seen her so happy in weeks—since midwinter 
in fact. "It really mattered that 
much?" 

"I know it shouldn't have," she said, her eyes clouding over. "But they were enjoying mocking me!" 
"Us, not you," he corrected her. He wanted to see her face light up again, wanted to feel her joy—hadn't 
realized how unhappy she'd been over the past month or two. Then she was filling his arms again, as all 
the feelings he'd tried so hard to hold back because of her age and his uncertainty over any future they 
could have, refused to be repressed any longer. 

"I've missed you so much," he said, before gently taking hold of her ear with his teeth. 
"You said that." 
"More than I knew till now." 
"You didn't say that before," she purred, reaching up to stroke his neck with gentle fingertips. 
"And I love you." He felt her mind and her body suddenly 
become still. "I don't know why it took me so 


long to say it." He'd let go of her ear and was nibbling his way across her cheek. 


Her hands took hold of the hair at either side of his neck and she pulled his face gently round to kiss him. 
"I know you do, Dzaka Arrazo." 
Her mind touched his, filling him with her need for him. He pulled back with an effort, suddenly vulnerable 


to the attention they were attracting. 


"It's your uniform," Kitra grinned. "Brothers are always considered distant, beyond normal 
emotions—and very dangerous." 
He reached in to grab the container of food Zhala had given him, then sealed the aircar again. "This one 


certainly will be if we don't get away from here," he growled. "It's like a wave of curiosity! I can feel 
every one of them." He hustled her toward the guest house. "I don't suppose it's got dampers, has it?" 


"Of course," said Kitra archly. "We can't let non-telepaths affect our tranquillity, can we?" 
Later that night as they finally turned to the food that Zhala had packed, Kitra broached the subject of 
their future 
yet again. 


"Mother's given us a year, Dzaka, that's all, then Father will have to choose a husband for me." 
"We knew that would happen," he said quietly, reaching for his mug of wine. 
"I don't want it to happen. We love each other, why should I have to life-bond to someone else? It 


doesn't make sense, Dzaka. Will you stand with me on this, ask for us to be married?" 
He hesitated a moment before answering her. "I can't, Kitra. Nothing's really changed. We'd be told to 
wait until you're older, until you've seen more of life, have a career. And that I'm not a suitable life-mate 



for you. I'm gene-altered, there would be no cubs for us. There's more to the future for you than just 
finding a life-mate. No matter what happens, we can always remain Companions. No one can take that 
away from us." 

for you. I'm gene-altered, there would be no cubs for us. There's more to the future for you than just 
finding a life-mate. No matter what happens, we can always remain Companions. No one can take that 
away from us." 

"You know why," he said, reaching out for her, but she avoided him. "Don't let's argue and spoil tonight. 
Let's enjoy what we have now." 

She felt angry and cheated by his reaction. "If it was up to me, I'd fight for you," she grumbled, 
nevertheless allowing him to soothe her. 

"When the circumstances are right, I'll fight anyone who tries to keep us apart," he said, and she could 
hear a hard note creep into his voice. "But not now. It's too soon. We could lose it all if we fight them 
now." 

* * * 

Day 4 

The Brotherhood meditation lamp was said to be the oldest on Shola, one that had belonged to the first 
Temple of Vartra. There was reason to believe that claim now, thought Brynne, remembering that it was 
here in Stronghold 
that the person Vartra had carried out his most important work, that of binding the 
Humans and Sholans together. 

Unbidden, a comparison between the lamp and some of the Victorian relics in a dingy old bric-a-brac 
shop back home in Norwich sprang unflatteringly to mind. He smiled to himself, then hurriedly 
suppressed it. This was the temple's most valued lamp, and it was a real honor for him to be included in 
the evening's senior students' meditation class. Even Jurrel had been nonplussed at the invitation. Taller 
than most, slim and rangy, the midnight-pelted Sho-lan and he were becoming fast friends. An able 
teacher, Jurrel had a fine understanding of the differences between life here and the freedom Brynne was 
used to on the estate. 

"So Father Lijou believes that because of the memory transfers, you'll be able to join in this session?" his 
companion 
asked quietly as they settled themselves on the densely padded prayer mats. 

"That's what he says. I need to use the skills to activate the acquired memories of them." 

Jurrel grunted. "Makes sense. They've never done this before. Not enough of us have any dependable 
telepathic talent, though." 

"We wait only upon your convenience," interrupted the tutor, with gentle sarcasm. 

This time, it was much easier for him to let down his mental shields and link to the tutor. Joining with the 
others to become a part of the group consciousness was not so easy. He knew the solution, but balked 
at taking it, at consciously 
letting go of his Humanity to access his Sholan self. 

Don't relinquish your Humanity, came the tutor's thought, just accept your Sholan side. Embrace it, 
let it carry you into our shared meditation. 


Ghyan did this for me before, he objected. 

Ghyan did this for me before, he objected. 

He tried, but his Sholan side was what he was most afraid of: it was the beast within him—it was what he 
was drawn to in Vanna. He'd fought against it, repressed it out of fear, so that now it was almost 
impossible for him to access it. 

It is what enhances your Leska Link. 

Tomorrow was his Link day with Vanna. He'd have to return to the estate, leave Stronghold! 

Despite his closed eyes, the temple seemed to lurch around him, and suddenly, his mind was open and 
beginning 
to merge with those around him. 

The onslaught on his senses was so sudden and overwhelming 
that he really began to panic. He wasn't 
one person, 
but ten, with all their individual emotions and responses. Immediately, he felt the steadying 
presence of Father Lijou. 

You're doing well, Brynne Stevens, the Head Priest sent, using a private link. This is how a meditation 
circle for those with Talents or gifts should be. This is the reality of your Sholan self. It is what 
and who you are. Use those senses, they are really yours, not just borrowed from your Leska. 

He could recognize them all by scent now, especially Jur-rel; hear their breathing, and sense their 
curiosity about him, the first of the Humans to visit Stronghold as a student. 
It was as if a door to 
another world had suddenly opened for him. 

It was always there, sent Father Lijou. Only your fear kept the door closed. 

Not just me, Derwent! He told me to be afraid, that to succumb to the Sholan way was to lose my 
path, to give in to the base senses that we Humans had evolved beyond! He was furious, but mainly 
with himself for trusting a man who knew nothing about the Sholans. 

He had the gift of Glamour, sent Father Lijou. In his company, the ridiculous seemed credible. We 
all have our Ghezus or Derwents. In the end, you recognized him for what he was, that's what 
matters. I will leave you to your studies now. With that, the presence withdrew. 

Lijou's link gone, he didn't realize he was now part of the group again. To sense so much, yet be rational 
and not driven by the Link's compulsion to mate, felt so strange. Then he felt the amusement of the group 
at his thoughts and would have retreated from them in embarrassment had the tutor not prevented him. 

Let's use some of that rationality to proceed with the lesson. 
"Focus on my voice," he said. 

Brynne listened to the soothing voice slowly build a picture 
of a woodland scene in their collective mind. 
So real was it that he could smell the loamy soil and hear the birdcalls. 
Caught by the reality, he let his 
attention drift as he looked around him. A movement in the bushes claimed his attention; a wild jegget. 
Intrigued, he followed it off the path—and with a gut-wrenching lurch, he was in the deep forest, running 
for his life. 

Through the bushes he crashed, branches whipping him about the face and shoulders, the uneven ground 
making his footing precarious. The sounds of his pursuers were loud—three of them at least. He had to 
reach the cave and safety. 

The trees were thinning out. Ahead now he could see the rock face with the fissure that led to his hideout. 


They were gaining on him—the noises were louder, he could hear their labored breathing—or was it his 
own? He knew that even when he reached the ledge, it would take him precious seconds to squeeze 
through the split, seconds that from the sounds of the crashing behind him he didn't have. He gathered 
himself, risking all in one leap, praying that he hadn't misjudged it in his weakened condition. 

They were gaining on him—the noises were louder, he could hear their labored breathing—or was it his 
own? He knew that even when he reached the ledge, it would take him precious seconds to squeeze 
through the split, seconds that from the sounds of the crashing behind him he didn't have. He gathered 
himself, risking all in one leap, praying that he hadn't misjudged it in his weakened condition. 

Shaking with shock and fear, he forced himself to crawl farther into the darkness, trying not to hear his 
pursuers snarl and yowl their anger and frustration at being balked of their prey. Terror made him 
forgetful of his surroundings and the low roof met his head with a resounding crack. Nausea and 
giddiness engulfed him as he passed out. 

* * * 

Someone was calling his name, he realized through the throbbing headache. He needed to move, to get 
deeper into the cave, farther from the ferals. Then he realized where he was—Stronghold. At the edges 
of his mind, he could dimly sense Vanna, demanding to know what was happening. 

"This is what Ghyan said happened at the Shrine," said Lijou, watching Jurrel help the prostrate Human 
into a sitting 
position. "How long was he unconscious?" 

"Only a few minutes," said the tutor. "It was uncanny, Father. One moment he was with us, his mind 
joined to ours, the next he was gone." 

"He's been touched by the Gods. This is work for Guardian 
Dhaika, not us." 

"I wonder what it's like to feel a God's hand on your shoulder." 

"Terrifying," said Lijou, closing his eyes momentarily in remembrance of the encounter. "Truly terrifying. 
Believe me, you don't want to experience it. Take them to their room, question Brynne gently, and report 
to me when you know what he experienced. Remember, this is even newer for him because he's 
Human." As he spoke, Vriuzu sent to him, letting him know that Physician Vanna Kyjishi was on the 
comm demanding to know what had happened to her Leska. "Tomorrow, I'll take him to the Retreat." 

Confused and worried, Brynne used the fact that he needed to return to the estate that night because of 
his Link day with Vanna to avoid visiting Guardian Dhaika. It wasn't strictly true, he could have left 
tomorrow, but after hoping he'd find the answers he needed at Stronghold, to learn that he had to go to 
Vartra's Retreat instead was too much. 

As he took off from the courtyard, battling the cross-winds posed little difficulty. 

"Not bad. Amazing the difference two days make," said Jurrel quietly from the seat beside him. "Some of 
the Brothers and Sisters never get the knack of takeoff and landing here." 

Jurrel was his insurance that he made the trip home safely. After the incident in the temple earlier, no one 
wanted to take the risk of him flying back alone. If he should pass out during the flight… He shuddered. 
It didn't bear thinking about. Jurrel was also a reminder of just how different he was becoming. Briefly he 
wondered if this was how Kaid had felt when he'd begun to experience his visions. 

"Do you want to talk about what you experienced?" asked Jurrel. 


Brynne glanced at him. "You're too good a sensitive," he said. "I told everyone all there was to tell 
yesterday. It was like the last time. Just an animal in the forest." 

Brynne glanced at him. "You're too good a sensitive," he said. "I told everyone all there was to tell 
yesterday. It was like the last time. Just an animal in the forest." 

"Be one with the earth," Derwent had said constantly. "Feel Him surround you, feel the life within. 
The rocks are His bones, the soil His flesh. It's their God, Vartra, incarnate." 

But he couldn't feel it. Try as he might, he could feel no link, no empathy with this alien world—until the 
visions started. That was the truly frightening part. Now he could feel all that Derwent had been talking 
about, except it wasn't a maleness he sensed, it was an indisputably female 
presence. 

He needed to get back home, talk to Ghyan, whom he knew he could trust, see what the priest made of 
all this. Sure, he'd been the one to suggest going to Stronghold, but he didn't really know anyone there. 
He couldn't be sure he could trust them. It was possible that they, like the Tele-path Guild, had no real 
interest in him, only wanted to know what Derwent and he had been up to. 

* * * 

That morning, Kaid needed the heat from the shower to dispel the chill in his bones. It was like this 
whenever he slept. Somehow, the link between him and Carrie had reestablished 
itself in a new form. 
Despite her being in cryo, when he slept, the natural barriers between them must be lowering enough for 
her mind to touch his. Even when there were no dreams about her, his body and mind were still tuned in 
to Carrie's. 

He flattened his ears, lifting his head upward under the spray of hot water, trying to wash away the 
memories of a restless night. T'Chebbi was still asleep, having been on watch during the early hours of the 
morning. Despite the interim treaty he'd made with the U'Churians and the Cab-barans—it only needed 
the final signatures of their appointed 
leaders—Kaid felt it wiser not to relax their guard too much. Tallis' 
behavior was reason enough. Several times he'd been caught snooping around areas out of bounds to 
them as visitors on the Profit. Still, in a few hours they'd reach the jump point. After that, it would only 
be ten days until they'd be on a Sholan destroyer, with medical aid for Carrie and Kusac—and Tallis. 
That male was definitely becoming more psychotic as the days passed. 

Kaid was finishing his first meal when Manesh entered the communal mess room. 

"Captain Tirak would like you to join him on the bridge," she said. 

"What's up?" asked Taynar from the leisure comp unit by the doorway. 

"Nothing to worry about, taiban," said Manesh, reaching out to pat him on the head. 

Taynar bristled. "Don't call me that! I told you, I'm not a child, even if your kind are at my age!" 

Kaid suppressed a grin as he followed the U'Churian security officer out into the corridor. "Bad age -for 
him, being still a youngling but with the responsibility of an adult because of his Human Leska." 

"On our world, he wouldn't be allowed that responsibility," 
said Manesh, stopping at the hatchway 
through to the bridge section. 

"Leska Links aren't subject to age," said Kaid mildly, stepping through into the corridor beyond. "They 
come at the whim of the Gods, striking without warning. Taynar had no say in this Link with Kate. Were 


it not for that, he'd not be exposed to the responsibility either." 

it not for that, he'd not be exposed to the responsibility either." 

Kaid caught the sideways look and knew she was fishing for information. "Just so," he murmured, waiting 
for the other to precede him onto the small bridge. 

He stopped dead at the sight that met his eyes. Floating on the view screen against the backdrop of stars 
was a craft that was all too familiar in design. He could feel his pelt rising and he began to growl softly. 

"We got a distress call from this ship, Kaid," said Tirak, turning his chair round to look at him. "It's not 
one we recognize. Is it one from… You know it?" 

Kaid stepped forward, resting his hands on the back of Giyesh's chair. He studied the image carefully, 
checking for the identifying marks and features that typified the Val-tegan ships they'd encountered at 
Keiss. But there had been only one like this—the one that had escaped them. From the blunt, swept 
back angular nose to the stocky hull bristling with sensors, there was nothing elegant about this craft. It 
was built for one purpose only—conquest. 

"Valtegans from Keiss," he snarled. 

"Out here, in Jalna's system? Are you sure?" 

"Positive, even though they've removed the markings." He pointed to the streak of darkness on the side. 
"That's where we hit it as it went into jump near Keiss' moon. It's the one that sold our people on Jalna. 
Get us out of here, Tirak, it's a trap!" He clenched his hands on the chair back, feeling his claws puncture 
the covering. 

Tirak swung back to his displays, grabbing for a headset. "Full speed, Nayash. Get us out of here. 
Annuur, jump coordinates, now! Def Level One, Manesh." 

"But the distress call," said Giyesh, her dark face creasing 
in concern. "They're still transmitting, and it's 
in Jal-nian Port patois!" 

"Relay it to Jalna," snapped Tirak, hands flying over his controls. An alarm began to blare out and Kaid 
heard the sound of several dull explosions vibrate throughout the hull. 

Manesh swung her seat around, diving for the floor hatch behind Tirak's post. Flinging it open, she 
dropped down out of sight. Sayuk likewise leaped to his feet, heading off the bridge past Kaid at a run. 

"If the signal's genuine, they can deal with it," Tirak continued as they began to accelerate away from the 
Val-tegan craft. "Kaid, get your military personnel up here and the rest stowed in their cabins under the 
safety restraints." 

"Anything else?" he asked. 

"Turrets deployed, Captain," reported Sheeowl as Mrow-bay rushed in and flung himself into the seat 
vacated by Manesh. "Ventral turret on-line. Awaiting signal from Sayuk." 

"Stand ready to support the gunners, Kaid," said Tirak, adjusting his headset. 

"Dorsal turret on-line. Batteries armed and ready," said Mrowbay from the weapons console. 

Kaid turned and ran for the mess, his mind automatically reaching out ahead of him to check that his 
people were there. 


"What's happening?" demanded Rezac as he rounded the doorway. "What were those explosions?" 

"What's happening?" demanded Rezac as he rounded the doorway. "What were those explosions?" 

"Return to your rooms and secure yourselves for acceleration," 
said Kaid calmly, looking for T'Chebbi. 
She'd obviously 
just awakened and was still finishing adjusting her clothing. "We face possible hostile 
action, but this is a military 
vessel." He turned to Rezac. "You and Jo remain with me," he said, then 
looked at the others' anxious faces. "The explosions were Tirak blowing off the hatch covers hiding the 
ship's weapons turrets. We're not under attack yet, and might not be." 

"But…" began Taynar. 

"Move," said T'Chebbi, grabbing the youth by the arm and hustling him out the doorway. "No time to 
argue!" 

When they'd gone, he looked over at T'Chebbi, who shrugged as she adjusted her weapons belt before 
tucking her plait over her shoulder. 

"Tirak answered a distress call," he said quietly, moving closer to them. "When he got within viewing 
distance, he called me. It's a Valtegan cruiser." 

T'Chebbi began to curse. "Should have known! All those warnings and I never…" 

"Enough, T'Chebbi. No time for recriminations. Maybe it's a genuine distress call, we don't know yet." 

Rezac began to growl. "Want me to check?" he asked. "I can reach that far mentally." 

"No," said Kaid. "Valtegans in our time go into a killing frenzy if they feel a Sholan mind. Whatever you 
do, don't use your Talent on them, ever. Now, let's go. Tirak wants us up on the bridge. Can you 
operate a weapons array if you need to?" he asked Rezac. 

"Try me," he said grimly. 

"If the call is genuine, then there's nothing to fear." 

"There's everything to fear," said Tesha's quiet voice as she came back into the mess. "You've never had 
dealings with these people. I have." She was trembling, with ears flat to her head, tail drooping to the 
floor. 

"So have I," said Rezac. "Captivity can be survived. They aren't mindless. They operate on rules, rigid 
codes of behavior. Every other species is subordinate to them, of no value except as slaves. If you can 
accept that and obey them, you can survive. We did." 

"The ones you knew were different, they didn't fear us! They didn't even give us a chance to learn their 
language, Rezac!" She was becoming hysterical, her voice rising in terror. 

Rezac moved closer, reaching out to touch her face. "You can cope, Tesha," he said quietly. "Someone 
who could survive a Jalnian whorehouse can survive this. It may not be the same ship, and even if it is, 
there's more of us this time, a force to be reckoned with. It won't be so easy for them to bully all of us." 

Kaid watched in surprise as Rezac drew her close until she was leaning against him. Then his hand 
slipped round to cup the back of her head. What was he doing? He'd never seen this sensitive side of him 
before, except with Jo in the few days when Zashou was still in the sick bay. He'd assumed that was just 
their Link; it appeared he was wrong. 


Tesha's trembling gradually stilled as Rezac held her. "You need to rest, Tesha," he whispered. "Go and 


join the others. Let T'Chebbi take you." 
T'Chebbi moved smoothly over to the young female, looping her arm around her shoulders as Rezac let 
her go. "Is no danger yet," she said soothingly. "May not be." She began to draw her out into the 
corridor. 


As her voice faded, Rezac asked, "What are our chances, Kaid? I assume that's the same ship that took 


Tesha's people 
and had our stasis unit on board." 
"Not good," he said softly. "We're outgunned and out-numbered. Our only chance is to outrun them. 
What did you do to Tesha?" 


Rezac shrugged, looking away. "It's nothing. One of the tricks we developed during the time before we 
were taken by the Valtegans. I had to calm her. Her panic would have infected the others." 


"Impressive." 
Back on the bridge, the ship-to-ship speaker was relaying the incoming message. Mangled Jalnian Port 
patois, its meaning almost lost in the sibilant pronunciation, filled the room. 


"This is M'ijikk. Surrender, or we open fire." 
"Short and to the point," murmured Sheeowl. 
"Annuur, we need to jump now!" Tirak's tone was urgent. 
"Not enough speed. Kill us to engage jump now," came the reply. 
"Still can't raise Jalna, Captain. They must be blocking our long-range transmissions," said Giyesh. 
"Open a channel to them," ordered Tirak, gesturing at the screen. 
"Channel open." 
"This is Rryuk's Profit, U'Churian vessel of the Free Traders. You have violated the laws of this region 


by sending 
out a false distress signal. Your demand for our surrender 
is an act of piracy and aggression, 
and will be met with force." 


"Rezac, can you reach Jalna mentally?" asked Kaid quietly. 
He shook his head. "I haven't been able to reach far since we contacted Carrie when we woke. Maybe 
the drug, maybe the long sleep." 


"Keep trying. You never know when the ability will come back." Kaid returned his attention to the 
conversation. 
Focused on it, he was not expecting the Human hand that touched him surreptitiously on 
the arm. As he looked round, Jo turned her back to Rezac and put her finger to her lips, jerking her head 
toward the corridor. 


Torn between what was happening and her, he reined in his irritation. It had to be important for her to 
drag him away. Still listening for the reply from the M'ijikk, he took a couple of slow steps backward 
and waited for her to join him. 


"I know that voice, Kaid," she whispered, keeping her eyes on Rezac, who, like everyone else, was 
waiting for the Valtegan craft's reply. "He was the Overlord of Keiss, one of those with a taste for Terran 



women. He may remember me. If he does, you'll have to watch out for Rezac." A shudder ran through 
her and her face creased in remembered 
pain. "What happens to the others if a Third dies?" 

women. He may remember me. If he does, you'll have to watch out for Rezac." A shudder ran through 
her and her face creased in remembered 
pain. "What happens to the others if a Third dies?" 

She nodded, blinking quickly to prevent tears forming. "Just watch Rezac, please." She began to move 
away from him, then stopped. "Elise, Carrie's twin. She went to him too. He'll think she's her sister." 

"What?" Shock washed through him. 

"He'll see Elise in Carrie," she repeated before returning to the bridge. 

How long he stood there, he'd no idea. It wasn't till T'Chebbi joined him that he seemed to get back his 
ability to think clearly. 

"Something wrong?" she asked in Highland, grabbing hold of him as the ship lurched suddenly. "Saw you 
talking to Jo." 

"Dealt with," he said briefly, steadying himself against the bulkhead. "What's happening?" 

"They repeated their demands. Sheeowl just fired the maneuver jets in an effort to get up to jump speed. 
Kaid, this Valtegan isn't bluffing." 

"I know. Jo recognized him. He's M'ezozakk, the Overlord 
of Keiss." 

T'Chebbi hissed her anger. "Then he does know Jeran, Tesha, and Tallis." 

"More. He knows Jo, and knew Carrie's twin, Elise," he said grimly, before moving past her back onto 
the bridge. His priorities were clear: to get out word of this marauding Valtegan craft, and to get them, if 
possible, back to Shola. 

"Incoming fire," Nayash was saying. "Impact in ten seconds. 
Brace yourselves." 

They barely had time to grasp the grab rails lining the bulkhead before the craft lurched violently to the 
port side in an effort to evade the missile. The increased g forces plastered them against the wall. Nayash 
began to count. At zero, the ship was rocked by an explosion. 

"Aft section hit, starboard side. Possible minor hull breach in workshop area. Section has been sealed," 
said Sheeowl calmly. 

Kaid focused on Tirak. Dropping his shields completely, he began to monitor the bridge crew with all his 
senses. This was the skill that had kept him one step ahead throughout his life: it was easier now that he 
understood exactly what he was doing. He was surprised, therefore, to find Rezac already there, listening 
to the surface thoughts of those in the room. So far, in the present crisis, the younger male's mental 
presence had gone undetected. 

He relaxed into his task, letting his mind push past the barriers Kate and Taynar had erected for the 
U'Churians, until he'd formed a light connection to each of them, a mental web with himself at the center. 
Tirak and Rezac were the ones he intended to monitor most closely. 

The headset Tirak kept touching was linked through the computer to all the bridge and gunnery controls, 


allowing him to be constantly updated on their current condition. A touch to the sensor pads located in 
the side piece that lay across his cheek, and he could see their displays on his secondary screen. 

allowing him to be constantly updated on their current condition. A touch to the sensor pads located in 
the side piece that lay across his cheek, and he could see their displays on his secondary screen. 

Another explosion rocked the Profit, this time on the starboard side. The lights flickered then died. 
Tirak's mind was made up, his decision taken for him by this latest hit. He had to do it now while he still 
could, when the emergency 
power came on. 

As the lights came up again, Tirak's hand began to move toward the destruct control. Kaid felt Rezac's 
realization of what was about to happen surge through him. 

He clamped his hand round Rezac's arm, using his extended 
claws to create enough pain to break the 
younger male's concentration. It was Tirak, however, who cried out in agony, ripping his headset off 
before collapsing in his seat. 

"Captain down," Kaid said calmly, releasing Rezac. "Jo, you and Rezac take him to sick bay." 

"Where did that hit come from?" he heard Giyesh say as Rezac rounded on him. 

What the hell did you do that for? Have you any idea what… 

You were too obvious. When he came round, Tirak would have known it was you. 

He was about to blow us up! If it hadn't been for that lucky… 

Luck? Raid's mental tone was pure ice. "See to the captain, 
Rezac," he repeated, deliberately turning his 
back on him. Rezac was delaying him. He had urgent matters of his own to see to. 

"Assuming control of the bridge," said Sheeowl, the trace of a tremor in her voice. "Routing the captain's 
console 
through mine." 

M'ezozakk's voice filled the bridge again. "You try my patience with your futile attempts to outrun me. 
Surrender now, or my next shots will destroy you." 

"Unless you want to die, I would surrender," said Kaid quietly. "Alive, there's much we can do to 
frustrate whatever 
plans they have. If we're destroyed, he might go after another craft, this time a 
genuine trader." 

His exchange with Rezac had shattered the mental web, but he no longer needed it. He knew Sheeowl's 
mental pattern, could easily give her a gentle nudge in the right direction if it was needed. 

She hesitated, turning to look at Nayash and Giyesh on her left, then back to Mrowbay, Kaid, and 
T'Chebbi. 

"It would be selfish to wish a grand death at the expense of others," said Nayash. "Raid's right. If they 
don't have us, they will go after easier prey. Surrender, Sheeowl." 

"Death is so final," was Mrowbay's quiet contribution. 


"Do it now!" said Giyesh frantically. "Before he changes his mind!" 

"Do it now!" said Giyesh frantically. "Before he changes his mind!" 

Kaid looked at T'Chebbi. "Stay here," he said in an undertone. 
"You know the drill if they don't. See 
that nothing of any use to the Valtegans remains on the computer. Conceal 
only what we need." 

He turned and ran down the corridor to the sick bay, hoping he hadn't left it too late. If debris from the 
hit to the aft section had been propelled too far from their craft, then his plan would fail and he'd be 
sentencing them to death. He passed Rezac and Jo, ignoring their startled exclamations. 

He went straight to the cryo units, scanning the controls, trying to remember what Mrowbay had told 
him. He felt sick to the pit of his stomach at what he was about to do, but it was their only chance of 
survival. Behind him he heard Rezac and Jo enter. 

CHAPTER 4 

"WHAT did you do to Tirak?" asked Jo, helping Rezac manhandle the unconscious captain onto a bed. 


"What are we supposed to treat him for? Surely he's not bad enough to need a cryo unit?" 
"He's fine," said Kaid shortly. "I just knocked him out mentally. If he starts coming round, give him a light 
sedative. 
We need him out cold till after the Valtegans board. Rezac'll tell you why." 


His fingers fumbled the sequence the first time, and cursing, 
he leaned against Carrie's unit, taking a few 
deep breaths to steady himself. 


"What're you doing over there?" demanded Rezac. "You shouldn't be interfering with those!" 
Calmer now, he began again more slowly, getting the sequencing right. This time, the prelaunch light came 
on. With a small explosive bang, the umbilicals disengaged and fell to the floor as heavy protective shields 
slid over the transparent cover. Slowly the unit began to move away from him toward the bulkhead. He 
started on Kusac's unit. 


He sensed Rezac about to rush him and stopped, pulling out his gun and rounding on him. "Don't 
interfere, Rezac," he warned. "This is not your concern. They're my Triad. I'm running out of time. Stay 
back, or I'll use this." 


"Leave him, Rezac," said Jo, holding onto him. 
"What do you know about this, Jo? What the hell's going on here? Why has no one told me?" 
Keeping an eye on Rezac, Kaid finished punching in the sequence. Kusac's unit began to move forward 


to join Carrie's. 


Take the third unit, he sent to Jo. A premed will put you out almost instantly, the unit will 
automatically do the rest, even after it's launched. 
Jo threw him a terrified look and shook her head. Tesha's more frightened than me. 
You're more at risk, and more valuable alive. 
No. 


Kaid nodded, and stepped up to the bulkhead where the final launch controls were situated. A sudden 
fear that he was doing the wrong thing swamped him. He pushed it aside. No time for doubts or second 


thoughts now. 

thoughts now. 

"I hope you know what the hell you're doing, Kaid. You may be in charge, but by the Gods, you assume 
too much responsibility!" said Rezac angrily. 

"You think I want to kill them?" he demanded. "No one is dearer to me than them, Rezac! They are my 
life!" 

The light blinked at him. He reached up and hit it, watching 
the green one come on. It was done now, 
for better or for worse. The hull vibrated as the units were expelled from the ship into the darkness of 
space. 

May the Gods protect you, he prayed, closing his eyes briefly. And forgive me. He hadn't even had 
time to say his farewells, to look at them one last time. 

He felt exhausted, but there was still so much to do. Rousing himself, Kaid sent to Jo. You need to warn 
Rezac that M'ezozakk may recognize you. 

He hadn't felt this empty when he'd put them into cryo. Then there had at least been hope. Now the odds 
on his Leska partners surviving were stacking up against them. 

/ can't! 

You must. If you don't, I will. When she didn't reply, he stood up and reholstered his gun, looking 
pointedly at Rezac. 

"I can't believe that you'd do something as stupid as this! You sent them out there to die, Kaid! To get 
blown up by the Valtegans—or worse, to drift until the power supply runs out!" 

"Gods, I'll be glad when you've finally grown up enough to use that brain of yours!" Kaid snapped back. 

"Shut up, both of you!" said Jo angrily. "You make a great pair, each as bad as the other! Kaid, why 
didn't you just tell him why you did it? It would have been the sensible 
thing to do!" 

"I'm not answerable to him or anyone!" Kaid snarled. 

"I'd swear you could be brothers, you're both so damned arrogant, independent, and determined to be 
responsible for everything!" She turned on Rezac. "As for you, did you stop to think just how long they'd 
have survived once the Valtegans found them? Or do you think they'd be altruistic 
enough to wake them 
and heal Carrie? You know them better than that!" 

Rezac glowered angrily at her. "Are they even designed for survival in space? The debris from the 
explosion is floating around us out there! How does he know it won't damage the units?" 

"I don't know," said Kaid, shocked into an icy calm by Jo's unwitting recognition of their family 
relationship. "It's a risk I have to take. That debris is their camouflage." 

"Of course they're equipped for space," said Jo. "The units were sitting in launch cradles. Forget about 
them for now, Rezac. We've got larger problems." 

"What? What could possibly be worse than the situation we're in?" he demanded. 


"The captain of the Valtegan ship knows me," she said quietly, looking away from him. 
The angry swaying of Rezac's tail stopped abruptly and his jaw dropped open in shock. 
"He's General M'ezozakk. He was the Overlord of Keiss, commander of the permanent garrison that 


was there until your people came to liberate us," Jo continued. 
"He brought your stasis cube to Jalna," added Kaid. 
Rezac found his voice. "He's one of the ones you had to pair with for the resistance." 
She nodded, looking up at him now. "I think he'll recognize 
me. If he does, it won't take him long to 


work out I was a spy." 
"You're right. We have a worse problem," he whispered, feeling behind him for a bed to sit on. 
"Carrie's identical twin, Elise, worked there with Jo," said Kaid. "M'ezozakk had her tortured to death. 


With Carrie gone, Jo's got a better chance of not being recognized." 
"I didn't realize he'd recognize Carrie." He reached out for Jo, holding her tightly. 
"You didn't want to," said Kaid. "You see your own arrogance in everyone but yourself. Stop fighting 


me, Rezac. I'm not your enemy." 
"You're dismissing him too easily, Kaid," said Jo, stroking 
her lover's head. "He knows the Valtegans 


better than anyone, better than I do. Yes, he's young and hot-headed, but you two need to work 
together if we're going to survive 
this." 
Rezac looked over to him. "What about the last cryo unit, Kaid? Could we put Jo in it and leave her 


here?" 
"And risk M'ezozakk blowing up the ship once he has us?" asked Kaid. 
"We could launch it like the others! There's time, surely?" 
"I suggested it and she refused." 
"Damned right I did!" exclaimed Jo. "I'm not the only one he'll recognize. How could I protect myself yet 


leave Tesha and the others to cope?" 
"Let's hope he doesn't remember you," said Kaid. "We have to return to the bridge. If M'ezozakk does 
recognize her, Rezac, for Vartra's sake, contain yourself. If you don't, you'll put all our lives at risk, 
including hers. We don't know what happens to a Third when the Leska pair dies, and from what Jeran's 


told us, M'ezozakk would delight in killing you. I'll get T'Chebbi to break the news to Jeran's group that 
we're surrendering." 
Tesha and Jeran had said little when they'd been told the news. Tallis, however, began to rant and rave. 


"Why don't you stand and fight? You're Brotherhood, or so you say," he snarled, rounding on T'Chebbi. 
"This is the coward's 
way out!" 


"Not," said T'Chebbi firmly. "We fight, we die. Is simple. And next ship from Jalna gets taken instead." 
"So what? You think I care? It's those damned U'Churi-ans! If they'd gotten their act together, we 
could've escaped! 
There's got to be some guns on this damned ship somewhere! That's it! We could 
pretend to surrender and…" 



"Shut up, Tallis," said T'Chebbi in disgust, turning away from him. "Their ship is twice our size, more crew 
than us." 

"Shut up, Tallis," said T'Chebbi in disgust, turning away from him. "Their ship is twice our size, more crew 
than us." 

T'Chebbi's hand closed on his. A quick flip and he was sprawling on the floor. "Enough!" she roared at 
him. "Is done! Get down to vehicle deck with others, now!" 

He'd gone, muttering and cursing all the way, but when the Valtegans actually came through the hatch, he 
fell silent and slipped to the back of the group, hoping to remain unnoticed. 

This was T'Chebbi's first encounter with Valtegans. Narrowing 
her eyes, she began to study the nearest 
one. Topping 
six feet tall, and dressed in khaki fatigues, he was humanoid in appearance. 
Green-skinned, his round, hairless 
head had a forehead that unlike a Human one sloped straight down to 
become the nose. Eyes were large and yellowish in color, and lashless. His ears were small and set low 
against his skull, the bottom edge of them level with the slightly V-shaped upper lip. Three-fingered hands 
with an opposable thumb gripped the rifle firmly, knuckles showing 
a lighter color. Like her, he had 
claws, but large, non-retractile ones. A commotion from behind her made her tear her gaze away and 
turn round just as the soldier became 
aware of her curiosity. 

As M'ezozakk's carmine-robed torturer came through the hatch, with a howl of anger and rage, Tesha 
propelled herself at him. 

"Tesha!" yelled Jeran in horror, stepping forward instinctively 
to stop her. Kaid's hand clamped over his, 
pulling 
him close to his side and holding him there. "No!" he hissed. "Be still! It's her choice." 

She didn't get far. An energy bolt hit her full in the chest, knocking her from her feet and flinging her 
backward into their midst. As they scattered to avoid her, Kate gave a tiny cry and crumpled to the 
ground. Rezac bent down and lifted her up as the rest of them regrouped. 

Kaid kept his hold on Jeran. "Don't look," he said, keep-ing his voice low. "They're hoping for an excuse 
to kill all of us. Don't give it to them." 

Jeran swallowed hard and nodded, once, but his body remained stiff and unyielding in Kaid's grasp. 

"Get them into the M'ijikk," said the officer in charge, lowering his gun. "I want no more casualties. I'll 
flay the first one to fire a shot!" 

* * * 

"You tell him," said J'koshuk. "It's not my job. You're the First Officer, and in charge of this detail." 

Mzayb'ik regarded him with naked hate. "I saved your life in there! One day, J'koshuk…" 

"You'll what?" asked the priest, folding his arms across his carmine robes. "Our Church is strong, 
Mzayb'ik. Since we fled Keiss rather than return to M'zull, I have been surrounded by heresy. We should 
have returned to expiate our disgrace in an honorable death. We did not. As first officer, you are as guilty 
as the general for making that decision. A charge of heresy laid against you, even should you disprove it, 
would hardly further your career." 

"What career? As you said, we have no home!" hissed the other. "Unless the general's plan succeeds, 
we're dead now, living on borrowed time!" 


"The auguries predicted success…" 

"The auguries predicted success…" 

Skin flushing a darker green in anger, J'koshuk turned away, ostensibly to watch the four Cabbarans 
being escorted 
into the turbo lift to the upper levels. "I suggest you don't keep him waiting any longer for 
the news. It will not improve with delay," he said coldly. 

With a final hiss of anger, Mzayb'ik stalked off to the vehicle dispatch office to make his call. 

M'ezozakk's face filled the small vid screen. "Well? Have you got them secured in the cargo holds yet? 
Are the Cabbarans 
on their way up to the brig?" 

"Yes, General. All went smoothly. As we thought, the craft was U'Churian. Their captain suffered a 
minor concussion 
but is coming round now. The four Cabbaran navi-gators are on their way up even as 
we speak." He hesitated. There was no way of knowing how General M'ezozakk would react. 

"What is it, Mzayb'ik? Don't keep me waiting." 

"There are Sholans on board. We got back three of the ones we sold on Jalna, but one died in a suicide 
charge on the priest," he said in a rush. "And we have Humans. Two females. What do you want us to do 
with them?" 

Speechless for once, M'ezozakk stared out of the screen at him. 

"General? What shall we do with them? The scent of the Sholans is affecting my troops badly, especially 
since the female got shot." 

"I'm on my way down." The screen darkened abruptly. 

Mzayb'ik returned to the main loading area where the air lock between the two craft was being sealed. 
Twenty of his soldiers ringed the small group of aliens who had come off the U'Churian craft. Even inside 
the office, he'd been able to smell their volatile mood, and the scent of the Sholans. 

It was the scent more than the sight of them that made his skin feel slick with sweat and triggered his 
desire to destroy them in the most primitive, physical way. He fought against it, knowing that, though 
joining his men in ripping the Sholans limb from limb might satisfy his primal urges, he would have to face 
the wrath of his general afterward, and nothing was worth that. At least M'ezozakk had said nothing 
about the dead one—yet. 

J'koshuk intercepted him again on his way across to the captives. "And what did our good general have 
to say?" 

"He's coming down," said Mzayb'ik, continuing to walk, making the priest trot to keep up with him. He 
stopped just outside the ring of soldiers and rounded on him. "I won't forget this, J'koshuk," he said 
quietly, eyes narrowing as he stared at him. "One slip, one mistake, and you're mine!" 

J'koshuk shrugged and smiled, showing his razor sharp teeth in a wide grin. "I don't make mistakes." He 
held the final sibilant in a prolonged hiss. 

Mzayb'ik snarled and pushed his way through his men till he faced the motley group of aliens. He wished 
he could have gauged the general's mood better, but that one was too good at keeping his reactions to 
himself. He looked at the females. It had been a long time since they'd seen Humans—
or females. They 


looked almost like people, if lesser creatures could even be called people. At least they weren't covered 


in hair like the U'Churians and the Sholans. 
The smaller one looked scared. He took a step closer, breathing deeply to check, then berated himself 
mentally. Of course she was scared! What other emotion could she feel in the presence of her obvious 
superiors? He tried to make eye contact with her, but like the other, she kept her head down, looking 
only at the ground. 


A stir from behind alerted him to the arrival of General M'ezozakk. He turned round to greet him, steeling 
his expression 
and suppressing his anxiety, hoping that he was exuding the correct scent signals. 


M'ezozakk stopped beside him and scanned the group. 
"They've been searched and I've separated them into species," said Mzayb'ik. "Nine U'Churians, two 
Human females, 
and five Sholans, including two of those we had before." 


"I can count," said M'ezozakk testily, moving closer to the U'Churians. "Which one is Captain?" he asked 


in bad Port patois. 
Tirak, pushing away Mrowbay's support, stepped forward. 
"Me. I take it you're the commander of this 
craft. What is the meaning of this piracy? You have no right to perpetrate an act of war on peaceful 
traders." 


M'ezozakk stared at him, blinking once, slowly. "Why are you transporting these creatures?" he asked, 
indicating the others. "What purpose is behind this?" 
"Profit," said Tirak. "They're passengers who paid us to be taken off Jalna." 


"To where?" 
Tirak stared back at him. "What business is it of yours? To my world, if you must know. They had 
nowhere else to go." 


M'ezozakk looked consideringly at him, then with frightening 
speed, backhanded him across the face. 


"You lie. They have a world to go to." 
Tirak staggered against Mrowbay, putting his hand to his face as he clutched at the medic to regain his 
balance. 


"Never lie to me again," said M'ezozakk, turning away from him and walking toward the Sholans. 


He stopped in front of Tallis, reaching out to grasp him by the tunic and pull him closer. "We meet again. 
You didn't like Jalna?" 
Tallis began to whimper in terror. 
"Where were you going? Not home, we destroyed it." He shook him briefly and Tallis began to babble 


incoherently. 
With a hiss of disgust, M'ezozakk flung him back. "A coward. You're useless. You'd tell 
me anything you thought would please me," he said in disgust. He looked at the rest of them. 


"A new one. Where from?" he demanded, hand snaking out to grasp Taynar by the throat. 
Terrified, Taynar hung limp within his grasp. He looked frantically at Rezac, then over to the U'Churians. 
"Keiss." 



M'ezozakk grunted then released him, pushing him aside and turning to Zashou. "A female," he said, then 
glanced over at the Humans. "Three." Frowning, he breathed deeply, then began to advance on them. 

M'ezozakk grunted then released him, pushing him aside and turning to Zashou. "A female," he said, then 
glanced over at the Humans. "Three." Frowning, he breathed deeply, then began to advance on them. 

Behind him, Rezac stirred, beginning to growl low in his throat. M'ezozakk ignored him. 

"Answer me!" he said, giving her a small shake. "How is it you and the Sholans are here at Jalna in the 
company of these traders?" 

Jo put her hand up to cover M'ezozakk's and smiled. "We came to rescue the Sholans, General, nothing 
more. Our ship was damaged on landing so we chartered Captain Tirak's. I had not thought to see you 
again," she said in his language. 

M'ezozakk watched her face carefully, reading her scent signals. She was afraid, but then her fear was 
pleasant, had always added spice to their encounters at the base. "We will talk more," he said, relaxing 
his grip, letting his hand slide down her throat to her shoulder. "Renew our closeness." 
He rubbed his 
thumb gently across her throat, his forked tongue flicking out to touch her cheek. 

This time the commotion behind him could not be ignored. 
He swung round, glaring at the scuffle within 
the Sholan group. One of the males was having to be subdued by his own people. 

"Bring him here," he ordered, closing his hand over Jo's shoulder till his claws began to penetrate her 
clothing. 

Rezac was dragged, struggling, before him. The reason was instantly obvious to him: they carried each 
other's scent. What he had assumed was due to her traveling in close proximity with the Sholans was 
actually caused by their relationship with each other. 

"Ah, you've been mating with this one." M'ezozakk was prepared to be amused. "A strange choice, but 
then, I see none of your own males among this group." 

"Leave her alone," snarled Rezac, struggling within the grip of the two soldiers. 

M'ezozakk felt Jo stiffen. "Have you an affection for this animal?" He reached for her arm, pulling back 
her sleeve. "I must ensure your interest in him dies," he said, raising it to his mouth. "I would not want you 
distracted." He bit down deeply on her forearm, making her scream out in pain and shock. 

"No, not that!" howled Rezac in Valtegan, his struggles becoming more frantic as Joe tried to pull away 
from M'ezozakk. Abruptly, the fight went out of him and with a whimper, he sagged against the soldiers, 
an agonized look on his face. 

Releasing Jo, M'ezozakk thrust her at J'koshuk. "See she's quartered in the room opposite mine. Guard 
her well: the drug works faster on Humans." 

"Yes, General," murmured the priest, gesturing for two soldiers to escort her above. 

M'ezozakk switched his attention to Rezac. "Put the U'Churians in the main hold for the time being, and 
the Sholans in the other. J'koshuk, he's yours," he said, indicating 
Rezac. "I want information from him. 
He speaks Valtegan, 
I want to know where he learned it, and what these Humans are up to." 


"Yes, General." 

"Yes, General." 

"Put her with the U'Churians for now," said M'ezozakk, turning and heading for the turbo lift in the wake 
of Jo and her escort. "I want to speak to the Cabbarans." He stopped, and turned to look at his two 
officers. "And I want no more mistakes. No deaths unless I order them, is that understood? Don't get 
carried away with your calling, J'koshuk. You'll get your chance to play with him after I have my 
information!" 

As the guards moved to separate them, Kaid stirred, about to step forward. Tirak grabbed him, holding 
him back. "No!" he hissed. "Let them think you're U'Churians. You're more use to your people with us 
than with them!" 

When he hesitated, T'Chebbi spoke. "He's right. Look how few guard us in comparison to our people." 

The opportunity was gone as half a dozen soldiers began to herd them toward the cargo hold at the rear 
of the ship. 

T'Chebbi sat with Kate, talking to her, holding her, trying to get some response from her other than a 
low, repetitive whimpering. But the teenager was too deeply in shock. Being separated from Taynar 
hadn't helped. 

The rest of them crouched in a silent group on the bare metal deck. Eventually Tirak spoke. 

"What did M'ezozakk do to Jo? Why did he bite her?" 

"Zashou says it's a mating thing, to bind a female to that particular male. Their teeth secrete- a chemical 
which they inject with their bite," said Kaid. "It makes the female violently 
aggressive and protective of 
the male who's bitten her, fighting off any other male who approaches her. He did it partly to goad 
Rezac." 

"It worked," said Sheeowl. 

T'Chebbi came over. "I can do nothing with her," she sighed, squatting down beside Kaid. "Can you 
reach Rezac? Is there anything you can do to help him?" 

Kaid nodded. "I can reach him, and could help deaden the pain, but to what purpose?" he asked heavily. 
"When I sleep, he'll bear the full brunt of it himself and that'll be worse for him." He only prayed that he'd 
inherited his strength and determination from his father and that Rezac would survive. "I've done what I 
can for Zashou. Luckily, their Link is still dormant. She's sleeping for now." 

"You can't just leave him to cope alone!" said Giyesh. 

"Believe me, he doesn't want me inside his mind right now," said Kaid. "I've been where he is. He doesn't 
need a witness to his suffering, and that's all I'd be." 

"What about Jo?" asked Manesh. 

"I can't reach her." 

"Isn't there a danger these Valtegans will pick up your telepathy?" asked Tirak. 

"No, they're not able to sense it themselves, and these ones know nothing about either Sholan or Human 
tele-paths," he said, resting his head on his forearms. 


"How's Jeran?" asked Giyesh, reaching out to touch him. "Can you tell him I'm concerned for him, that 
he's to take care?" 
Kaid nodded. 


"It was the Cabbarans they wanted all along," said Tirak, resting back against the bulkhead. "Why?" 
"I'll hazard a guess," said Sheeowl. "Their navigational skills. They've been to Jalna, they know what the 
Cabbarans 
can do, and they want a team for themselves. Could they be lost, unable to find their way 
back home?" 


"Possibly," said Kaid. "More likely it's to aid their war effort. Keiss was used as an R and R world for 


their troops. We know very little about them, not even who they're fighting." 
"So the rest of us are superfluous. What do we do?" asked Tirak. "Sit here and rot while we wait for this 
M'ezo-zakk to kill us all?" 


"We make sure we give them false information about our species, information that will aid our people 


against them," said Kaid. "And we wait for an opportunity to escape, 
or to be rescued." 
"You're wonderfully optimistic," said Giyesh, a note of hysteria in her voice. "Look around you, Kaid! I 
couldn't get a distress signal sent out before we were taken, and we're sealed in this cargo hold!" 


"Pull yourself together, Giyesh," snapped Sheeowl. "You knew this mission could be dangerous when 


you chose to come with us." 
"We're in the vehicle bay," said T'Chebbi. "A shuttle stands outside, and the Profit is only a short walk 
away through the docking port." 


"It might as well be on Jalna!" 


"We only need one person to escape for as long as it takes to send a coded message to Jalna," said 
Kaid. "Till then, we play it cooperatively and stay alive." 
"Our people start looking for us soon," added T'Chebbi. "Yours, too." 
"How soon?" asked Sayuk. 
"Seven, perhaps eight days. Maybe sooner," said Kaid. "Then they'll come looking for us. And they'll find 


the cryo units." 
"If the Valtegans don't find them first," said Manesh quietly. 


* * * 

Rhyasha Aldatan closed the nursery suite door behind her and made her way along the balcony to the 
guest suite where Dr. Jack Reynolds and his Companion Jiszoe were staying. As she collapsed tiredly 
into the comfort of the bowl-shaped easy chair, the Human physician rose and went to the dispenser unit, 
returning with a gently steaming mug for her. 

She accepted it, sniffing curiously at the brown liquid. "Kashini's finally fallen asleep," she said, taking a 
cautious sip. "I've never known a cub to behave like that before— and the noise she was making!" 

"It's her Human side," said Jack, lowering his tall, slightly portly frame into his seat. "All Human babies 
cry like that." 


"Are you sure there's nothing wrong with her?" she asked the doctor. "It started so suddenly, Dzaka said. 
I can't believe it was just a bad dream as her nurse says." 

"Are you sure there's nothing wrong with her?" she asked the doctor. "It started so suddenly, Dzaka said. 
I can't believe it was just a bad dream as her nurse says." 

"Kashini was certainly extremely distressed when I ar-rived," said the older female, taking another 
mouthful. "This is nice," she said, indicating the mug. "What is it?' 

"A chocolate derivative drink," said Jack. "Something to help you rest. I assure you, Rhyasha, there is 
nothing wrong with your granddaughter. You have my word on it. May I suggest that we all go back to 
bed? Morning has gotten far too close." 

"It's good advice," said Miosh, leaning forward to pat her friend's hand. "We've got a full day ahead of us 
tomorrow, 
with the vet coming to check the breeding stock." 

"And he always arrives early," sighed Rhyasha as she finished her drink. Putting the mug down on the low 
table, she got to her feet. Hesitating at the door, she said, "You'll call me if anything…" 

"Nothing will happen except that little madam will wake up at the crack of dawn, as bright and breezy as 
usual," said Miosh, opening the door and drawing her through it. 

"You didn't tell your mother everything," said Dzaka as Kitra collapsed in an exhausted heap in the 
central depression 
of their bed. 

"What good would it have done?" she asked tiredly. "Whatever it was, it's happened and been dealt with, 
for good or ill. What we have to decide now is what we do about it." 

"We need to get word to their rendezvous ship." He climbed onto the bed, curling himself round his 
young Companion and slipping an arm under her neck. "Tell them we're sure my father and your brother 
and bond-sister are in trouble." 

"How, though, without panicking Mother and Father? And who's going to believe us when I say I picked 
this information up from a cub only three months old?" 

"Father Lijou," he said, wrapping his other arm across her waist. "He has the contacts." 

"Good thinking," she murmured, reaching out to run her fingers through the long, brindled fur on his chest. 
"You can contact him in an hour or so when we've had some sleep. I don't know what we'd have done 
without you, you're so good with Kashini." 

He rested his chin on the top of her head. "I did very little. I'm afraid it hasn't been a good weekend." 

"Not true. You're a natural father, Dzaka. You must really miss your own family." 

Nnya, and his son, Khyaz, killed by the Valtegans on Szurtha. A wave of sadness swept through him and 
his arms tightened around Kitra, needing her warmth, her life, her nearness. He loved her more than he 
dared tell her. Everything 
about his beautiful young Companion marked her as beyond his reach. The 
youngest child of the main Aldatan Clan family, one of the strongest telepathic bloodlines on Shola, her 
future was not in a marriage to a gene-altered Brother like himself who couldn't even share his cubs with 
her. 

"Though I'll always grieve for their passing, it's you I'm with now. You gave me back what I thought I'd 


lost when they died—my life," he said. 


A gentle purr began to vibrate through her body. "They're placing bets, the Brothers and Sisters on the 
estate, 
that we'll life-bond before the year's out." 
He grunted. He'd been aware of the betting for some time and had studiously ignored it—as he was 


trying to ignore her. 
"What would you say if I asked you now?" Her voice was drowsy, on the verge of sleep. 
"There's time enough ahead of us, Kitra. The year's just begun. We have now, let it be enough," he said, 


searching for an ear in the cloud of tight, blonde curls, then, when he found it, gently licking its tip. "You 


might meet someone 
else you like more." 
"So might you, and I don't want that to happen." Her voice became suddenly more alert. "Dzaka, will 
you…" 


He tilted her face up to his. "Don't ask me now, Kitra," he said forcefully. "You're only fourteen, in your 
first year as an adult. I'd have to say no, and I don't want to. You can't choose a life-mate when you've 
only known one male. Anyway, your father will likely choose one for you." 

"I don't need to know anyone else. I know who I want, just as my mother did." 
He made an exasperated noise. Vartra knew he wanted her as his life-mate, but now was too soon to tell 


her it was impossible. Even if they'd been genetically compatible, her father, Lord over all the Telepath 
Clans, would definitely refuse them because she was so young and inexperienced. 
"You said if I asked now. What if I left it? Then you would say yes? Is that what you mean?" 
"When you've seen more of life, know what you really want, then we'll talk about it," he temporized. 
"How long, Dzaka?" she asked, nose wrinkling. "A year—two?" 
For him, an empath, her intensity was a palpable force that was becoming more uncomfortable for him by 


the minute. 
He did the only thing he could, diverted her. 


* * * 

Day 5 

Early the next day, Dzaka headed out to Stronghold. Father Lijou listened to Dzaka's story in silence. He 
took his time replying. This would need careful handling. 
"I understand your Companion's fears, Dzaka," he began. 


"Mine, too, Father Lijou," interrupted Dzaka. 
"… and yours," he amended, with an inner sigh. "But you have to realize I need more than this to start an 
alert." 


"An inquiry, then. Find out what the situation is with them." 
"We're expecting a report shortly. Clan Lord Aldatan is in communication with the Rhijissoh in his 
capacity as head of Alien Relations. If anything's wrong with his son and bond-daughter, believe me, he'll 
be the first to be informed. And if, as you fear, it's already happened and been dealt with, there's little we 



can do anyway." 

can do anyway." 

"The Rhijissoh is always ready for emergencies. It's a class Y recon ship, prepared for anything. 
Meaning no disrespect 
to your Companion, Dzaka, you have to remember she's just out of 
childhood…" 

"Females mature earlier, Father Lijou," said Dzaka stiffly. "And her lack of years doesn't affect my 
judgment of the situation." 

"You're an empath, not a telepath. Did you consider that her emotions might have colored even your 
perception, which at the moment is far from impartial?" 

"Are you saying my judgment is flawed, Father?" 

Vartra save me from self-righteous young males, Lijou thought with another sigh. "No, I am merely 
saying it's natural for you to be affected by Liegena Kitra's distress for her brother and bond-sister. And 
your own fears for your father." 

"The distress was Kashini's," reminded Dzaka. 

This was going nowhere fast. Lijou got to his feet, bringing 
the interview to an abrupt end. "I will do 
what I can, Brother Dzaka, but I will not alarm the Clan Lord or the Rhijissoh without good cause. 
Now, you will have to excuse me, I left a meeting to speak to you." 

"For that, I thank you, Father Lijou," said Dzaka with stiff formality as he got up. "Should Kitra and I 
sense any more from Kashini, I will pass on your words of comfort to my Companion and my niece." 

"You forget yourself, Brother Dzaka." It was his turn to be sharp. "You are only consolidating my opinion 
with this attitude. I suggest you retire to the temple for the next two hours and pray to Vartra to clear 
your thoughts so you can view the matter more dispassionately." 

Dzaka threw him a smoldering glance before bowing his head in obedience. Silently, the young priest left 
the room, closing the door carefully behind him. The final click of the lock sounded loudly in the silence. 

Muttering oaths and imprecations, Lijou left his office through the door to his private quarters, heading for 
the bedroom where his life-mate Kha'Qwa, now with only eight weeks to go in her pregnancy, was lying 
resting. 

The drapes were partially closed, keeping out the brightness 
of the late spring day so she could doze. 

"Kha'Qwa, are you awake?" he asked, hesitating in the doorway. 

"I am now," she said. "Even with my psi gifts on the wane, I could sense you two. Take him seriously, 
Lijou. Remember Carrie finished her last weeks of pregnancy in four days while they were in the Fire 
Margins, and as a result, Kashini was born a fully awakened telepath. And how else would a cub 
Kashini's age communicate her fear? Tell Rhyaz what Dzaka said, even if you speak to no one else. 
Remember, you wanted Dzaka to get more involved with life again. Now he is." 

"What if they're wrong?" 

"What if they're right?" 

* * * 


While the priest stood a short distance away talking to the guards, irrelevant thoughts buzzed around like 
insects in Rezac's brain. He let them. They prevented him from reaching out psychically to try and blast 
the priest's mind. He'd lost track of time. He thought there had been a point when he'd been left alone for 
some time—a sleep period for them, perhaps, but there'd been no rest possible for him. The hard leather 
cuffs that held him to the wall bit deeply into his throat and wrists as his legs began to buckle under him. 

While the priest stood a short distance away talking to the guards, irrelevant thoughts buzzed around like 
insects in Rezac's brain. He let them. They prevented him from reaching out psychically to try and blast 
the priest's mind. He'd lost track of time. He thought there had been a point when he'd been left alone for 
some time—a sleep period for them, perhaps, but there'd been no rest possible for him. The hard leather 
cuffs that held him to the wall bit deeply into his throat and wrists as his legs began to buckle under him. 

They know nothing about telepaths, either Sholan or Human, Kaid had sent to him as he'd been 
dragged off. They're psychotic about destroying us. They must not find out Shola exists. 

Help Jo and Zashou, was all he'd had the chance to send as they fastened him to the wall in one of the 
empty cargo holds. The Gods alone knew how many hours—or days— ago that had been. 

"Soften him up," J'koshuk had ordered the guards, then stood back and watched while he was beaten 
nearly senseless. 
Then he'd taken over and the real pain and the questions 
began. 

Kaid had been right about their attitude toward Sholans. He'd never had such brutality directed at him 
before. On K'oish'ik, he and Zashou had been the favored pets of the Emperor Q'emgo'h. They'd been 
roughly handled, but nothing like this. But then, in those days when his telepathic 
Talent had first been 
enhanced, all that was necessary 
was to expose him, or any of them, to the pain of other people. They 
experienced it as if it was their own, and it had them bent double, retching in seconds. His Link with Jo 
had reversed that for both him and Zashou, but everything had its price and now he was paying. 

The collar round his neck was bolted to the wall behind him, preventing him from resting even during this 
respite. As his head sagged down once more, it cut into the underside 
of his jaw, forcing him to lift his 
chin again. He peered across at his torturers from under swollen eye ridges, straining 
his ears forward, 
trying to catch what they were saying. They were too far away. 

He thought of his mates. What would this do to them? What were they suffering? Jo, hurt by M'ezozakk 
in the past and now in his power again—his creature now that he'd bitten her. If only he hadn't cried out, 
it would never have happened. And Zashou. Fragile and sensitive, not a fighter at all. Thank all the Gods 
that their Link was still dormant. He clenched his hands; moaning in despair, realizing 
that his own foolish 
actions had brought this down on all three of them. 

His jaw was suddenly grasped, claws cutting into the soft underside. 

"The general is disposed to believe that the female taught you our language," said the priest. "And that she 
and you came to rescue those on Jalna. But I do not." 

He was caught with no other logical explanation to give him. How could he tell the priest he'd been 
trapped inside the stasis cube they'd worshiped as a holy object? That it was actually a device from their 
far past in which he and his Leska had been imprisoned? Anger replaced despair as he realized this priest 
enjoyed what he was doing. Nothing he could say would make any difference now that M'ezozakk 
had 
the answers he needed. He'd been sentenced to death. 

"May your God-King curse you for all eternity!" he snarled. "May he curse you till your very shadow 
shrinks from you in fear!" 

As the blows began to rain down on him again, he had the satisfaction of seeing the color drain from 


J'koshuk's face. Then, as fresh agony exploded in his side, darkness finally claimed him. 

J'koshuk's face. Then, as fresh agony exploded in his side, darkness finally claimed him. 

Day 6 

"Clan Lord Aldatan!" 

Tired and hungry, Konis decided to keep walking. He'd missed second meal because of yet another 
"crisis" in his department, and was determined that nothing would stop him from going to the senior staff 
mess for the midafter-noon break. 

"Clan Lord Aldatan!" The voice was louder, more insistent. 

Cursing under his breath, he stopped and waited. The young male halted beside him, still breathing 
heavily as he handed him a flimsy piece of paper. "Message just came through from Jalna. Knew you'd 
want it immediately." 

Frowning, Konis took it from him. 

Another cry, its tone anxious and urgent, rang out through the busy corridor. "Shayza, no! It's not for the 
Clan Lord!" 

Konis heard the sound of clawed feet skidding on the decorative tiled floor, then Hanaz, Governor 
Nesul's aide, came to a stop beside him. His hand reached for the message, 
attempting to twitch it from 
Konis' grasp before he could read it. 

"Your pardon, Master Konis, this is not an AlRel matter," 
he said. "It's intended for General Raiban and 
Masters 
Rhyaz and Lijou." 

"Not for Master Konis?" said Shayza blankly. "But it concerns…" 

"I know what it concerns," snapped Hanaz sharply. When Konis didn't respond to him, he spoke again, 
this time his tone gentler. "Master Konis?" 

Konis finally looked up at him, releasing the document. Suddenly the high-ceilinged palace corridor 
seemed airless and cramped to him. As his surroundings began to darken, he felt Hanaz grasp him 
supportively round the waist. 

"Fetch Master Lijou. He's with the Governor," said Hanaz. "We'll be in the Summer Office." 

Konis felt the grip on him tighten as he was turned around. 

"Master Konis, I'm sorry you found out this way, but you cannot collapse here," Hanaz said quietly. "The 
Summer 
Office is only a few yards away. I'll help you." 

Konis made a small noise of agreement, clutching Ha-naz's arm as they began to walk. It seemed an age 
before they stopped in front of a door flanked by two armed Warriors. 
At Hanaz's gesture, one stepped 
forward to open it for them. 

"We're expecting Father Lijou," the Governor's aide said as they entered. "Admit no one else without my 
permission." 

As the door closed behind them, Konis found his strength again, and straightening up, turned on Hanaz. 
"Why was that message going to be withheld from me?" he asked. 


Hanaz urged him on toward the seats in the center of the room. "To prevent you reacting like this, Master 
Konis," he said gently. "The message means nothing more than what it says: your son and his companions 
failed to contact Captain Kishasayzar as scheduled thirty-nine hours ago. It does not mean that anything 
has happened to them." 

Hanaz urged him on toward the seats in the center of the room. "To prevent you reacting like this, Master 
Konis," he said gently. "The message means nothing more than what it says: your son and his companions 
failed to contact Captain Kishasayzar as scheduled thirty-nine hours ago. It does not mean that anything 
has happened to them." 

"When they arrived at Tuushu Station, or when we knew for certain they were missing." 

"Their transmission is over a day late and they aren't replying to subsequent messages! I'd call that 
missing!" 

"I really couldn't comment, Master Konis. It's outside my field of expertise, that's why I've sent for 
Master Lijou. The Brotherhood deals with such matters daily. Meanwhile, can I get you something? A 
glass of water perhaps?" 

"I don't want any water," Konis muttered. "I'm hungry, that's all. I haven't had time to turn around, let 
alone eat, since I left home this morning." 

"Some food can be brought here for you. What would you like?" 

"Good news of my son and bond-daughter, Hanaz," he said, leaning back exhaustedly and closing his 
eyes. "That's all I want right now." 

The door opened and he sensed Lijou entering. The faint noise of his footfalls and his long robes brushing 
the carpeted 
floor sounded unnaturally loud to Konis. 

"Is this just a routine message, Lijou?" he asked. "Don't lie to me, I'd rather know the worst." 

"I wouldn't lie to you, Konis," said Lijou as the Head Priest sat on the chair next to his. "Yes, a report 
like this is standard procedure when a team misses a scheduled transmission or meeting by a six day. As 
to whether this message means more, no one could say right now. It's honestly 
too early to tell." 

Konis opened his eyes to look the other straight in the face. "When would you have told me?" 

Lijou reached out to touch Konis' knee briefly. "When I knew what had happened. They're not expected 
at Tuushu for two weeks. Until that deadline passed, or we received a message from them during jump, 
I'd have said nothing to alarm you." 

"Two weeks," said Konis in a hushed voice. "We'll have to wait two weeks till we know what's 
happened to them?" 

"That's why we don't tell the families at this point." Li-jou's tone was sympathetic. "You mustn't speak of 
this to anyone else, Konis. Not Rhyasha, nor Kaid's son, Dzaka. No one must hear about this until we're 
sure. It's a U'Chu-rian vessel that's missing, not one of ours. That makes the situation more complex." 

"What were they doing on a U'Churian ship? I thought they were with the Sumaan." He was finding it 
difficult to keep his thoughts straight. 

"We don't have word on that yet," said Lijou. "Likely there's some simple explanation." 

"Like what? I know from the treaty negotiations that the U'Churians are not as advanced as we are. 
What would make them leave Jalna on their ship?" 


"Something as simple as a systems failure on the Hkar-iyash could account for it, Konis. The same for 
the lack of communication with the Profit,'" said Lijou soothingly. "There's no reason yet to assume the 
worst." 

"Something as simple as a systems failure on the Hkar-iyash could account for it, Konis. The same for 
the lack of communication with the Profit,'" said Lijou soothingly. "There's no reason yet to assume the 
worst." 

"Rhyaz is talking to Raiban now. Believe me, we will be searching for them, Konis. If nothing else, we're 
aware that how we conduct this matter will impact on the way both the U'Churians and the Cabbarans 
view us as allies." 

"I must be kept informed, Lijou. I can cope if I know what I'm facing. It's not knowing that's frightening." 

"I will keep you informed," promised Lijou as the door opened again and Hanaz entered carrying a tray 
of sliced meats, bread and hot c'shar. "Hanaz told me you hadn't e^ten since this morning. Do you mind if 
I join you? Like you, I haven't had time to stop for a meal." 

"It would turn to dust in my mouth right now," said Konis. 

"You must eat, my friend," said Lijou as Hanaz put the tray down on the low table beside them. "Many 
people saw you nearly pass out from lack of food." 

Konis stared at him. "For a telepath, you've become too good at lying, Lijou. I want your word that you'll 
keep me informed. Dammit, it's my son and bond-daughter that are missing out there!" 

"You have my word, Konis. As soon as we have any definite news, I will tell you. I care about your son 
and his Triad too, you know. Now please, my friend, you must try to eat something." 

"I haven't time," he muttered, trying to get up. "The Governor's waiting for me." 

Lijou gently prevented him. "That can wait. The Governor 
has put your meeting off until tomorrow." 

Konis looked up sharply at him. "If you want this to remain confidential, Lijou, that's the worst thing you 
could do. My meeting with the Governor must go ahead as scheduled." 

Lijou hesitated, obviously unsure how to counter his logic. 

Konis reached for the plate of food. "I'll eat something, if it'll make you happy, but my meeting will go 
ahead." 

"This is neither the time nor the place, Azkuu," said Konis angrily as he gathered the papers for his 
meeting with Governor Nesul. He was annoyed. Azkuu had come from downwind and effectively 
trapped him in the AlRel office. "Clan matters aren't pressing, these new treaties with the Free Traders 
are." 

"You're Clan Lord, too, Konis," she growled. "If the duties are becoming too much for you, then you 
should pass them over to someone else." 

"Don't be ridiculous," said Konis, looking up at the older female. "When have I ever neglected Clan 
duties?" 

"You want a list? I'll give it to you, then. Over your son and the Human, and your daughter Taizia. Now 
you're doing it with Kitra. It reeks of partisanship, Konis." 

Anger surged through him. His son and Carrie were missing, perhaps dead, and here was this 
narrow-minded female complaining about their bonding! "You leave my son and bond-daughter out of 


this, Azkuu. As for Taizia and the other telepaths involved in the Brotherhood breeding 
program, those 
orders came from the highest level, nothing to do with me!" 

this, Azkuu. As for Taizia and the other telepaths involved in the Brotherhood breeding 
program, those 
orders came from the highest level, nothing to do with me!" 

Konis straightened up, allowing his ears to rotate sideward 
and begin to fold down in a display of his 
anger. "You overstep the bounds of familiarity, Azkuu," he said coldly. "My daughter was free to make a 
bonding contract of her choice at that time. That it was later endorsed by the military directive is their 
good fortune. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've pressing business to attend to." 

"You'll hear me out first, Konis. You know me well enough to know I'm not saying this out of malice, but 
others 
aren't speaking so kindly. This latest crop of betrothals has the young ones demanding they be 
given a say in the choice of their future life-mates! And the older ones are muttering, too. We can't afford 
a rebellion. Vartra knows you're busy enough now without having to bring down that rhakla! You want 
my advice?" 

"No, frankly, I don't, but doubtless I'm going to get it anyway." 

Azkuu glowered back at him. "You're right, you're getting 
it. Get that last daughter of yours life-bonded 
as soon as possible, and I do mean bonded. If you're seen to uphold our traditions with her, it'll go a long 
way to quieting the other Clan Leaders, who in turn will see their offspring do as they're told. It's only the 
ceremony they want. No one expects her to bear cubs yet." 

"She's too young to be life-bonded, Azkuu. Next year is soon enough." 

"You're not listening to me, are you? Kitra is old enough, you know that as well as I. You've become too 
alien, Konis, too changed by the goings-on of your son and his En'Shallans for the majority of the Clan 
Leaders. If you don't act now over Kitra, you're going to have trouble, not only in the Clan Council but in 
the Guild!" 

"I told you my decision, Azkuu." 

Azkuu sighed. "I tried the easy way, Konis, but your intractability has forced my hand. This is an official 
request from the Clan Council. Choose a life-mate for Kitra now, or face a vote of censure at the next 
meeting in three weeks' time. I'm sorry, but you left me with no choice." 

Konis was too stunned to answer as Azkuu turned and left. Then anger really took hold of him. How 
dare they question his judgment, Challenge him like this! Become too alien, had he? Raiban's words 
echoed in his mind. Once you step outside the groundling's rules, you can never go back. 

She was right, but it was the rules that needed changing, not him! With the inclusion of the Brotherhood, 
their genetic 
pool of Talented was much larger, there wasn't the need for the stringent genetic checks to 
make sure each individual in a potential couple was from a different family tree. And that was only taking 
the Brothers currently based on Shola into account. How many more of them there were, only Lijou and 
Rhyaz as joint Guild Masters knew. Now he had an argument for relaxing the system of choosing 
life-mates for the most Talented telepaths. Change was easier 
to force from within an organization, but 
what could he do in three weeks? 

The door chime sounded, making him start, but it was only Hanaz, Nesul's aide. 

"The Governor's ready for you now, Master Konis," he said quietly. 

Konis pulled his thoughts back to the more pressing business 
at hand and followed Hanaz out. 


* * * 

* * * 

"Kitra must be betrothed and life-bonded within the next three weeks," repeated Konis, trying not to 
wince at his mate's outraged tone. 

"And you told her what she could do, didn't you?" When he didn't answer, she rounded on him. "Didn't 
you?" 

"Actually, I said nothing," he replied, beating a retreat behind his desk. "She said the request was official, 
from the Council as a whole." 

Rhyasha stopped pacing and regarded him silently. 

"Now that we have the Brothers, there's no need for arranged bondings if the candidates are allowed to 
choose from a group of previously screened partners. We can change it, Rhyasha. We need to." 

"But not in three weeks, not for Kitra." 

"No," he admitted, looking away as he sat down at his desk and activated his comm. "Not in time for 
Kitra. I've got a list of possible young males from among the Telepath Clans," he added hurriedly. "Help 
me choose one for her, Rhyasha." He hoped she'd hear the plea in his voice and not fight him over the 
inevitability of this. 

"You're prepared to sacrifice our youngest daughter. Have you learned nothing over the past year, 
Konis?" 

"Of course I have, but in fairness, they have a valid point, Rhyasha. Two of our three children have made 
unconventional 
marriages. As Clan Lord, I should set an example. 
A vote of censure at this time could 
cost me my position as head of the Council," he said, stung by her attack. "I can change things, force 
them to accept the Brothers as mates for their sons and daughters, if I stay in charge." 

"Choose whom you want, it makes no difference to Kitra or me," she said abruptly, turning her back on 
him and heading for the door. She stopped and looked back over her shoulder at him. "But, Konis, you 
can tell Kitra and Dzaka yourself." 

When summoned to Konis' office, Dzaka accepted the news as impassively as one would expect from 
one of the Brotherhood. 

"When?" was all he'd asked. 

"Within three weeks," replied Konis, obviously relieved by the younger male's response. "It's politics, 
Dzaka, not personal. I wish for Kitra's sake it could be otherwise. The Clans are demanding she have a 
traditional Telepath Clan life-mate." 

"I understand, Clan Lord." It came as no shock to him: he'd expected it for some time now. "We were 
together two nights ago. You'll need to…" 

"There's no need," said Konis hastily. "I know you're gene-altered. The betrothal is only a formality for 
now, but I will have to ask you not to be alone with her again. In a year or two, when she's provided an 
heir for her new clan, it's up to you…" He tailed off into silence. "I do wish it were otherwise. She's going 
to take it badly." 


Dzaka sensed Kitra approaching and turned toward the door as it was flung wide. She stalked in, tail 
swaying in a lazy arc, ears spread wide and forward, every line of her body ready for a fight. 
Ignoring her father, she looked only at him. "Well? What do you have to say about this?" 


"We must do as the Clan Lord asks," he murmured. "It's no more than I said would happen." 
Her scorn washed round him as her ears began to fold in anger. "That's it? That's all you have to say? 
What we feel for each other means nothing to you?" 


There was no reply he could give her. Nothing could change their circumstances. 


"I'd expected more from you," she said scathingly. "I thought Brothers fought for their friends and what 
they believed in." 
He shifted uncomfortably, trying to keep his own emotions 
in check. "Your father is right. I tried to tell 


you." 
"Kitra," began Konis. 
She turned on him. "Leave it, Father, lest I say something 
you'll regret," she growled before spinning 


round and stalking out, tail rigid and fur extended. 
There was nothing more to be said, so Dzaka left, heading 
back to the estate, to the house that Vanna 


and Garras shared. Though he'd been expecting this, it had still taken him by surprise and a part of his 
mind couldn't believe it had finally happened—especially after their last night together. 
Vanna's friendly voice called out to him as he stood on the doorstep, telling him she'd be with him in a 


moment, and to go in and wait for her in the kitchen. He pushed open the back door and sat down at the 
table. He couldn't face going back to the villa yet—didn't dare in case Kitra was there, collecting her 
things from his room. It had taken more strength than she'd ever know to say nothing to her father when 
everything he wanted in life was her. 


Sitting there, wrapped in his misery, he wasn't aware of Vanna entering until her hand touched his 
shoulder. 
"I just heard. I'm sorry, Dzaka," she said quietly. 


He said nothing, just leaned forward on the table, resting his head on his forearms. 
"Dammit, he has as good a lineage as any in the Seventeen 
Clans!" said Garras angrily when he heard 
the news. "Both parents were telepaths, and we know his grandfather Rezac was!" 


"But Dzaka isn't," said Vanna. 
"The female Kusac was betrothed to wasn't." 
"Dzaka can't claim both parents were telepaths unless he publically reveals the fact that Kaid is one." 
"Most folk have worked that one out for themselves," Garras snorted. "And he's En'Shalla! He has every 


legitimate 
right to ask for her as his mate." 
"No, he hasn't. Dzaka's one of our gene-altered Brothers. 
He and Kitra aren't fertile with each other. 
Believe me, Garras, I went through each of those ideas with Dzaka. He had no choice but to accept 
Konis' decision." 



Garras sighed noisily and picked up his mug of c'shar. "So what's he going to do now?" 
"He's gone back to the villa to continue watching Kashini." 
He shook his head. "Damned shame. They were good for each other. About time the Clans changed the 


arranged life-bondings to a system like ours that gives the young ones a choice." 
"That can only happen if Konis stays Clan Lord—which brings us full circle." 
Garras took a swig from his mug. "Ah, well. At least once the bonding ceremony is over, they can be 


together again." 


"Not even then, Garras. Konis forbade it for a year or two, and Kitra was so enraged that Dzaka refused 
to stand up to her father, that I doubt she'll have anything to do with him now." 
"Well, he's one of our Clan. I have the right to speak for Dzaka in this matter since Kusac and Carrie are 


away, and I intend to do so!" 


*# * 

Jo couldn't afford to be afraid. The scent of her fear had always excited M'ezozakk, made him difficult to 
control. Those times she hadn't been able to suppress it, she'd suffered 
her worst injuries from him. 
Then, at least, she'd had access to Human medics afterward. This time, she was alone. Worse, in trying 
to help her, Rezac had been taken. Never get yourself noticed by a Valtegan officer. The warning 
echoed through her mind. And she and Rezac, therefore 
their whole Triad, had been noticed. 

Another bout of shivering wracked her and she pulled the cover off the bed to wrap around her 
shoulders. She was losing the battle against fear, she realized. The slightest sound from outside filled her 
with an icy dread. Her head hurt with a dull throbbing that dominated her senses: her limbs and joints 
ached with the fever that she knew was building. One moment she was drenched in sweat, the next, icy 
cold. And her arm felt hot and swollen, difficult to move. She didn't dare look at it. 

The arrival of the medic with an armed escort a short while ago had sent her retreating to this far corner 
of the bed. Something was seriously wrong, she realized. 

"What did he do to me?" she'd asked unsteadily as the medic examined her. "Why did he bite me?" 

"He was setting you apart, preventing the other males from approaching you." 

She winced as he carefully touched a soft, sterile probe to the puncture wounds. "You're here." 

He said nothing, merely took his sample and left. 

** * 

M'ezozakk followed the medic into the room he'd assigned 
to Jo. "You'd better be right," he said, 
tongue flicking 
out angrily. "If you've disturbed me from my sleep for nothing…" He didn't bother 
finishing the sentence. 

Jo sat cowering on the farthest corner of the bed, clothing 
darkened by sweat, her face slick with it. 
Against her chest she cradled her injured arm. 

M'ezozakk sensed instantly what the medic had meant but he still had to see it for himself. He stalked into 
the room, his booted feet making no sound on the carpeted floor. Ignoring her cry of fear, he grasped 
hold of her and hauled her into the center of the bed. Her forearm was red and swollen, the puncture 


wounds oozing a dark, greenish-yellow substance. 

wounds oozing a dark, greenish-yellow substance. 

M'ezozakk bared his teeth, his loud hiss one of pure rage. "You deceived me!" He flung her back, 
causing her to hit the wall violently. "You deceived me!" He rounded on the medic and soldiers. "Get this 
piece of trash out of here," he snarled, his voice suddenly deceptively quiet. 

"Where do I put her?" asked the medic. "When the fever passes, she'll turn on every male that 
approaches her." 

"Put her in with the Sholans," he said, pushing them aside angrily as he turned to leave. Then he stopped. 
"No. Take her down to J'koshuk. Have her restrained till he's finished, then loose her on her mate. Let 
her finish him off!" He laughed. "A fitting end for both of them!" 

* * * 

"Kaid! Kaid!" Someone was shaking him. 

He struggled up into a sitting position, recognizing T'Chebbi's scent in the darkness. "What is it?" he 
asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He shivered, chilled to the bone by the coldness of the deck 
beneath him. 

"Be afraid, Kaid," she whispered, clutching his hand and moving closer. "Be very afraid. It's come." 

"What? Where?" He could feel her trembling against him and wrapped his free arm around her. 

"Danger. Here—all around us. I've never felt it so strongly before," she whimpered. 

In the distance, a klaxon began to sound, then a blinding glow filled the room, lighting it up for a brief 
moment. Darkness returned, and with it, oblivion. 

A low-pitched klaxon began to echo through the ship: one sharp burst, one long. Startled, J'koshuk let 
Rezac's limp head fall against the restraint collar. He looked over to the four guards lounging at the back 
of the hold, guarding 
the heavily bound female. 

"Check it out," he ordered. A proximity alert this far out from the Jalnian shipping routes? J'koshuk 
turned back to the unconscious Sholan as the lights began to flicker and fade before plunging the small 
hold into darkness. Within seconds, the emergency lighting came on, its faint, reddish glow making giant 
shadows leap across the bulkheads. 

This was worrying. The Sholan could wait, this warranted his personal attention. He began to stride 
toward the exit when, abruptly, even those lights went out. 

Slowly, the giant ship hovering below the M'ijikk and the Profit emerged from its chameleon shields. As 
the main landing bay doors folded back, an eerie glow suffused the two smaller craft. They began to 
move, being drawn downward 
into the belly of the ship until they had disappeared from sight. Even 
before the doors had closed, the craft shimmered briefly, then it, too, was gone. 

His head hurt, that was J'koshuk's first realization, closely followed by the fact he could see a glow 
beyond his closed eyelids. A tremor ran through him and he realized he'd been lying on the deck for 
some time. J'koshuk flicked his tongue across his dry and parched lips, tasting the air. The scent of fear 
was there, but it was old, more than two hours old. He'd been unconscious, but why? And how? 


The sound of the door sliding back drew his attention. He opened his eyes. Four pairs of armor-clad legs 
entered and marched in step toward him, forming a wall in front of him when they stopped. A terrible 
certainty began to form in his mind, then, beyond the legs, he saw the flick of a gray robe. 

The sound of the door sliding back drew his attention. He opened his eyes. Four pairs of armor-clad legs 
entered and marched in step toward him, forming a wall in front of him when they stopped. A terrible 
certainty began to form in his mind, then, beyond the legs, he saw the flick of a gray robe. 

"You are awake. You will stand and do as you are told," said the flat tones of a translator. 

He cowered where he was, incapable of moving, praying that this was all some terrible nightmare, until he 
heard footsteps. With a strangled sound, he leaped to his feet, swaying a little with dizziness and renewed 
pain from his aching head. He took a deep breath, flicking his tongue out again. Nothing. No scent, no 
taste from them. He opened his eyelids a fraction. What he saw defied belief. 

"You are our captives," the voice from behind the sol-diers said in the same flat, impersonal tones. "Your 
ship is ours. You are ours. An interface with those on this ship is required. I have chosen you." 

J'koshuk concentrated on trying to breathe and to break the paralysis that seemed to have possessed his 
mind and his limbs. 

"Look at me." 

He couldn't. Briefly he wondered if this was how his captives felt when facing him. Agony lanced through 
his body, taking the strength from his limbs. He collapsed to the deck, writhing. As suddenly as it came, 
the pain was gone. He lay where he'd fallen, gasping for air, instinctively looking up at the source of his 
torment. Four weapons were trained on him. 

A strange sensation began to solidify in the pit of his stomach, flooding through him. Fear. A movement 
from the robed figure as it stepped forward drew his eyes away from the weapons. 

"An interpreter is needed. It will be you. You will obey our orders without question or you will suffer 
pain. Is that understood?" 

J'koshuk nodded his head, tongue flicking out again in a futile attempt to moisten his lips. Still no scent, 
not even from the robes. It was unnatural. How, in all the names of the Holy Ones, had they boarded the 
M'ijikk? 

"Answer me!" 

"Yes," he croaked, trying to swallow. He felt a constriction 
around his throat and put his hand up to 
investigate. A solid band of metal, with no hinge or clasp, now circled his neck. 

"The collar ensures your obedience. It inflicts pain when you disobey. You will go now and release the 
one you were questioning. A medic will come to treat him. You will help. You will accompany him onto 
our ship and when he wakes, tell him what you've been told. Do not harm him any further." 

With that, the tall, robed figure turned away. 

"Wait! Who are you? What do I call you?" 

The alien turned to face him again, the faceplate in its helmet glinting in the harsh light. 

It said nothing for the space of several heartbeats. "Primes. We are the Primes. You will address me as 
Seniormost." 

CHAPTER 5 


Day 7 

Day 7 

"We have a common problem, then," said Sorli, as his mate, Mayoi, finished handing their drinks to them 
then departed, shepherding out the student who had carried the tray of refreshments for her. 

"We have?" asked Konis, surprised. He was grateful he didn't have to dissemble with this Guild Master 
as he had with the previous one. 

"Only a small proportion of students in the Guild are from the leading Clan families, so the issue of 
arranged bondings isn't a major one. However, at this Guildhouse, we're unique in being so close to your 
son's estate. And on his estate live the mixed Leskas, who, no matter what position they held in their birth 
family, are able to choose, or not choose, their own life-mate. This is making the Sho-lan Leska pairs 
here, who don't have that luxury, dissatisfied, 
and they're demanding the same freedom." 

"Just like the Clan heirs," agreed Konis morosely, taking a sip of his c'shar. "How can I be accused of 
failing in my duty as Leader of the Sixteen Telepath Clans because two of my children have made 
unconventional matches? What in Vartra's name was I supposed to do? Kusac and Carrie took matters 
into their own hands, and as for Taizia, no decision can be reached on her future until her contract with 
Meral expires and we know if their child is Talented or not!" 

"Seventeen," Sorli corrected him gently, holding out the plate of pastries Mayoi had brought. 

"Eh? Oh, yes, I mean Seventeen Clans. Keep forgetting Kusac's got his own Clan now." 

"Perhaps it's time we looked at the whole issue of arranged 
bondings," said Sorli. "Do you feel they 
actually work?" 

Konis shifted in his seat, taking one of the pastries. "Well, most of them seem to work well enough, but 
you can never…" 

"No, not that. Do they actually achieve the results we want? Has the birth rate of Talented cubs gone up 
because of our genetic pairings?" 

Konis' eyes narrowed slightly. Was Sorli on the same trail as himself? "Actually, no. Not according to the 
records of the past fifty or so years. There have been more Talents from among the contract bondings, 
even allowing for the fact they represent the larger proportion of the telepath population. I have been 
looking into the whole matter for some time, Sorli, and I believe my son was right. We need an injection 
of new blood into the main Clan families. We're becoming too inbred." He braced himself for the 
argument against his stance. 

Sorli said nothing for a minute as he took another bite of his pastry. "My conclusion, too. It's time for a 
change, Konis. But how do we accomplish it against the conservatism 
of the other Clan Leaders?" 

Surprised, Konis' mouth fell open as he stared at Sorli. 

"Do shut your mouth, my friend, lest I accuse you of catching flies," Sorli said, his tone gently teasing. 

Konis shut his mouth with a snap. 

"I don't know why you look so surprised. I always said the winds of change were sweeping our world. 
Why should I then be ignoring them?" 


"I'm used to Esken," Konis said. 

"I'm used to Esken," Konis said. 

Konis relaxed a little. With Esken, he'd never had the feeling they were part of the same team, working 
toward a common goal. He'd always had his own agenda and power ploys that advanced himself, usually 
to the detriment of others. Sorli was something of an unknown quantity, only because it wasn't in Esken's 
nature to let anyone under him in his Guild shine. Already some of the rigid protocol, dating back a 
hundred years or more, that Esken had been so fond of, had been dropped in favor of a more relaxed 
system. It augured well for the future, if it continued. This matter would certainly test the new Guild 
Master's attitudes 
and outlook. 

"There will be resistance from the Clan Leaders to change of any type," he said. "So we have to move 
gradually 
and in stages. New blood is desperately needed, but we'll have that with the inclusion of the 
Brotherhood in the contract bondings. That's been a large enough chunk for the older leaders to swallow 
as it is. We can't look to extend their inclusion in main family life-bondings for some time yet. What I can 
do is, instead of matching names on my lists, make the list available to the Clan Leaders and give them 
the right to choose their child's future husband or wife." 

"Is it workable, though? What if one person should be chosen twice? We can't have them haggling like 
merchants over mates. And how will the younglings be able to choose among those from the other 
continents, those they've never met?" 

"There is that, of course," Konis agreed, reaching for his mug. "The other main option is to arrange social 
functions, perhaps here, or possibly at the Governor's palace, at which they can meet. Kusac set up a 
similar system for potential mixed Leskas before he left for Jalna." 

Sorli nodded. "I know. The military endorsed his request for tests to be done on our students and we 
transferred those he subsequently requested over to his estate. How is his system working?" 

"Very well," said Konis. "Among the new pairs there's been a higher proportion happy with their Leskas 
and less trauma over adjusting to the Link as a result. I'd say it was definitely an improvement." 

Sorli leaned back in his seat, steepling his fingertips together 
thoughtfully. "I'm pleased, of course, but I 
wonder if our implementation of it wouldn't be a step too far for our ultraconservative Clan Council. 
Perhaps we need to observe Kusac's system for a little longer. After all, it's only been a few weeks. I do, 
think, however, that making the list available to the Clan Leaders for them to choose from is a step in the 
right direction. If they feel they have a say, it'll go a long way toward dissipating their censure of you." 

"I don't care a damn about their censure," growled Konis. "I've got larger worries at home. You have no 
idea what I'm having to put up with from Rhyasha!" 

Sorli grinned openly at this, letting his hands fall back into his lap. "A female of great strength is your Clan 
Leader, Konis. I don't envy you. You're caught between a rock and a hard place right now." 

"Tell me about it. They all take after their mother, even Kitra!" 

Sorli raised an eye ridge. "Oh, I'd say it was about equal, Konis. You're well matched, you and Rhyasha. 
Both strong willed and determined. It's easy for us males to undervalue 
ourselves." 

"I always thought they got their strength from their mother," Konis murmured, surprised. 

"There's a lot of you in that son of yours. I watched him grow over the years, and knew he would finally 


leave the hunt to go off by himself." 
"Seems everyone but me knew that." 
"When the younglings are your own, it's easy to be too close to the problem to see it. Implementing the 


list will have to wait till the next half year now. It'll be useful then, but it won't do anything to alleviate your 


current problem, I'm afraid." 
"No, it won't," Konis sighed. "You know, Sorli, I'm almost 
minded to resign from my position right now 
and let Kitra choose her Companion as a mate! Being told I'm shirking my responsibilities is beyond 
endurance." 


"Appearances are what they go by, Konis. You and I know differently, but they don't want to see the 
larger picture. 
All they want is to be sure their own predictable lives aren't disrupted by strange new 
ideas. And you have to admit, they don't come stranger than these Links with the Humans." 


Konis made a grumble of annoyed agreement. 


"Tell me, Konis, how are our friends at Stronghold going to make themselves more available for potential 
mates? Have you discussed it with Father Lijou?" 
"They can't. The nature of the Brotherhood is to be in-conspicuous. It's more a matter of if one of the 


Brothers or Sisters wishes to bond with a telepath, they now have the legal right to do so." 
"So they won't become part of the breeding program." 
It was Konis' turn to smile. "You think so? I'd say that they have their own program, wouldn't you? How 


else could they ensure their gifts continued?" 
"Possible, but I've never heard of cubs up at Stronghold." 
Sorli sounded skeptical. 
"With villages nearby, there's no lack of foster families," pointed out Konis. "And what of Dzaka? He had 


a wife and child on Szurtha. I'll warrant there are more of them than we know. We're seeing only what 
they want us to see of their numbers." 


Sorli looked acutely uncomfortable. "I hope you're not right." 
"I'm speculating, Sorli," said Konis. "Think of them as a Clan, like our Warriors. We've never had any 
trouble from the Warrior Guild. The Brotherhood have never been a threat to Shola, the reverse in fact, 
and they've been around since the Cataclysm. Why should we suddenly fear Stronghold?" 


"We won't always have leaders like Father Lijou and Master Rhyaz," murmured Sorli. 
"Even when Ghezu was in power, they kept very much to themselves." 
"True," he sighed. "Perhaps I worry too much." 
"Nothing has happened to make us afraid of them, Sorli. I'm sorry I drew your attention to them. I really 


do think you are fretting needlessly." 


"I'll take your word for it, Konis. After all, you've had more dealings with the Brothers than the Telepath 
Guild." 
Konis picked up the slight innuendo but said nothing. 



"What do you intend to do about Kitra?" asked Sorli, changing the subject. 
"I've chosen a life-mate for her," he sighed. "Ashok Chazoun." 
Sorli frowned, obviously trying to place him. "Wasn't he the one whose betrothed died a couple of years 


ago? Some aircar accident, if I remember. Very sad." 


"That's the one," nodded Konis. "His family wanted him to have time to get over the tragedy. They're in 
favor of the match." 
"Surely he's a little old for her, Konis? He's nearing thirty now, if memory serves me. Twice her age. He's 


surely not going to be happy with a life-mate of Kitra's youth." 


"He's younger than Dzaka, and they've agreed to an early marriage. Have you any idea how difficult it 
was for me to arrange this to suit our Council's time scale?" he said, anger creeping into his tone. 
"I meant no criticism. It must be hard for you to be both Clan Lord and father in this matter. What about 


Rhyasha? Is she pleased with the match?" 


"She'll have nothing to do with it, won't even discuss it with me. Neither will Kitra. I'm an outcast in my 
own home, Sorli," he said resignedly. 
Sorli regarded him speculatively. "It's a pity Kaid is away. When do they return?" 
"We've no word yet, I'm afraid, but then they aren't due to make contact for a day or two yet. Why?" 


The lie didn't trip easily from his tongue. 


"As an Arrazo, Dzaka's from a telepath family on one side. With Kaid home, his father could tell the 
Council of his own Talent. Kitra would have a sound reason for requesting 
him as a life-mate." 
Konis raised an eye ridge at him. "When did you find out about Kaid?" he asked quietly. "That 


information is classified, only known to a few within my son's Clan." 


"I helped train him when I was at Stronghold. He's as gifted as any Level One telepath, and given his son 
is a powerful empath…" 
"How do you know that?" demanded Konis. 
"I asked Father Lijou for his records," said Sorli. 
"It makes no difference," said Konis brusquely. "Dzaka, like his father, is gene-altered, and the 


information on Kaid's telepath status can't be made public. The Council want a traditional mate for my 
daughter, one from the Clans. They'd never accept Dzaka." 


"But he's En'Shalla, and they're a Clan now," Sorli reminded 
him. 
"It makes no difference, I tell you!" Konis said harshly. "I cannot do anything! Don't you think I would if I 
could? Do you think I've learned nothing since Kusac arrived on 


Shola with his alien Leska? Maybe if Dzaka, or Kaid if he were here, were to plead his cause with the 


Clan Leaders, they might agree to it, but Dzaka won't! I've gone into it from every angle, Sorli!" 
"All of you have my sympathy, Konis. Kitra and Dzaka are so good for each other. I wish there was a 
way I could help them and you." 



"Nothing short of a miracle will help them," muttered Konis, trying to keep his thoughts away from the 
missing U'Churian ship and her crew lest Sorli pick them up. "And it has to happen in the next three 
weeks!" 

"Nothing short of a miracle will help them," muttered Konis, trying to keep his thoughts away from the 
missing U'Churian ship and her crew lest Sorli pick them up. "And it has to happen in the next three 
weeks!" 

Kaid came to with a start. He could sense the alien presences 
immediately, and without thinking, 
reached mentally for them before even opening his eyes. Nothing. There was a blankness, a space where 
he should have sensed at least a living entity. No scent either. The only sounds he could hear were the 
slight ones caused by the movement of body armor. The Valtegans hadn't worn body armor. 

He lay where he'd fallen, sprawled on the deck, aware of T'Chebbi still within his arms. She was awake 
and lying just as still. He remembered a klaxon, and a blinding light. 

Slowly, he opened his eyes. Three soldiers were guarding the entrance to their hold. His eyes widened in 
shock as he took in the dark body armor and the slick faceplates on the helmets. The longer he 
attempted to look at them, the more difficult it was not to turn his head away. The sensation 
of nausea 
the sight of them generated didn't do much to help his dull headache. 

He felt T'Chebbi's finger tapping his hand in Brotherhood 
code. Do you see them? 

Yes, he replied. There was nothing to be gained by remaining 
where they were. He tapped T'Chebbi's 
wrist in warning and releasing her, began to sit up. 

Looking slowly round the room, he saw nearly everyone was there, his own people included. Apart from 
the Cab-barans, the only ones missing were Rezac and Jo. Most of them were awake: only Taynar, 
Zashou, and Kate remained unconscious. Coincidence, or was he the first of the tele-

DARK NADIR 137 

paths to wake? He tapped T'Chebbi's wrist again, asking her. 

Affected telepaths for longer. Just woke myself. 

Movements from his left made him look round to see Tirak sliding cautiously across the floor toward him. 


"They've been standing there like that for the last half hour," he said quietly. "Don't know who they are. 
Never even heard of anyone remotely like them. Aren't strong on conversation, either." 
The hold door slid open and they fell silent. A figure, wearing a gray tabard over the body armor, 


entered. Following 
him were three more guards and the priest, J'koshuk. 
Gray-robe stopped a few meters into the hold. "This ship has been taken. It, and you, are now ours. You 


will accompany 
my guards to your new quarters. Attempt to escape and you will be shot. Disobey and 
you will be shot. Waken the sleepers. You leave now." 
"So, the pirates have been outdone. At least this new lot are even-handed," murmured Tirak as they got 


to their feet. 
Glad of the excuse to do something, Kaid and T'Chebbi began to rouse the sleeping telepaths. 
"Wait!" Kaid called as he saw gray-robe turning to leave. "Our navigators and two of our number are 


missing! Where are they?" 
The robed one didn't even acknowledge him. 



"We think they're working their way through the ship," said Tirak. "That they haven't gotten to Jo, Rezac, 
or the Cabbarans yet. Jo and Rezac were also the only ones hurt." 

"We think they're working their way through the ship," said Tirak. "That they haven't gotten to Jo, Rezac, 
or the Cabbarans yet. Jo and Rezac were also the only ones hurt." 

"No," said Kaid, grabbing her. "Tirak's right. Now isn't the time. Later, when we know they haven't gone 
on ahead of us." 

Zashou looked hopefully at him. "Do you think that's possible? Can you reach him?' 

Kaid tried and shook his head. "Nothing." 

One of the guards stepped forward, waving his weapon toward the exit. "We leave now," said his 
translator. 

As they filed out of M'ezozakk's ship, they found themselves 
emerging into a large landing bay on a par 
with the 

138 Lisanne Norman 

main vehicle deck of the Khalossa. As they cleared the M'ljikk, to their left, beyond a wall of soldiers, 
they could see the Profit and numerous smaller craft. On their other side, M'ezozakk and his crew stood 
by an elevator under heavy guard. As they passed them, Taynar and Kate crowded closer to him for 
reassurance. 

Can you feel it? Zashou sent to Kaid. Can you feel the Valtegans? 

He could, and he had to strengthen his shields to block out the psychotic fear and hatred that they were 
projecting at the Sholans. 

It's like an insanity, he sent. It's universal with the ones in our time, a response they have no 
control over. 

A missile flew through the air toward them. Instinctively, Kaid pulled Zashou aside as the object, a metal 
belt buckle, was vaporized in midair by a vigilant guard. 

Retribution was equally swift. The beams from ten rifles strafed the group of Valtegans, dropping them 
instantly to the deck, where they writhed and shrieked in agony. 

"An object lesson to us all," said Tirak soberly as their guards urged them to proceed to the rear of the 
hangar where an elevator stood waiting for them. 

There they were split into two groups, Tirak's party being taken up first. Kaid used the time to look back 
at the Valtegans. 
Those already on their feet again were being loaded into the elevator nearest the 
M'ijikk. The General was one of the first to be taken. Of the carmine-robed priest, there was no sign. 

T'Chebbi dug him in the ribs. "The lift comes." 

Herded on by their six guards, they'd barely time to turn around before the cage door clanged shut, 
closing them in. The smell of the air had changed, taken on an aseptic quality 
now that they'd moved 
beyond the stench of fuel and grease. Still no other scents—no sweat, no fear, nothing but the smells of 
his companions. He found that disturbing. The memory of their efforts to bring the first Valtegan captive 
to the Khalossa came sharply to mind. They'd made just such an effort to keep the ship free of their 


scents in order to prevent him from going catatonic with fear. But these people were doing nothing to 
allay their fears, quite the reverse in fact. 

scents in order to prevent him from going catatonic with fear. But these people were doing nothing to 
allay their fears, quite the reverse in fact. 

Broad based, it seemed to grow out of the soldier's shoulders 
and chest, making sideways movement of 
the head seem at worst impossible, at best, awkward. A translator grille was placed where one would 
expect a mouth to be, with slight depressions that might be auditory pickups to either side. But it was the 
visor that fascinated and repelled him. Black, iridescent, it wrapped almost completely around the head, 
taking on a spectacle shape above the translator grille—and it was impossible to look at it without feeling 
his gorge rise. The moment he looked away, the nausea began to retreat. He realized there was no lack 
of mobility and vision within that helmet, and no compromise on safety either. 

Beyond the guard, Kaid could see Tirak's group waiting. The soldier he'd been studying turned aside to 
unlatch the gate and hold it open for them to leave. The aseptic smell was far more pungent now. 

Zashou clutched at Raid's arm. "Antiseptics! Do you think they've found Rezac and Jo? Could they be 
treating them?" There was hope in her eyes. 

"Possibly," he said as they were led through a small door to their right into a corridor. He was only partly 
listening to her, his attention was focused on their surroundings, trying 
to find any point of reference to 
give him a clue as to the nature of their captors, and memorizing their route. 

The corridor was long and featureless with an automatically 
triggered air lock every hundred meters. 
They passed only one door on his right, but several on the left. The lack of doors made him think it likely 
that the medical area backed onto this corridor. Darker patches on the right-hand doors showed that 
signs had recently been removed—for their benefit. 

Lighting was slightly more subdued than they were used to, but the walls and the floor covering were 
blandly utilitarian 
in color. 

Tirak slowed down, falling back a little to join him. "Could these be the people the Valtegans are 
fighting?" he asked quietly. "Their treatment of us is almost hospitable 
by comparison." 

Kaid grunted noncommittally, glancing around him as they came to a junction and rounded the corner to 
their right. A couple of hundred meters away, a closed air lock cut off his view. They were isolated from 
the rest of the ship. No risks were being taken with them. Before he could reply, the leading guard halted 
at an open doorway and gestured them in. Slumped in a padded chair was a very subdued Rezac, his 
neck and wrists encased in bandages. He stirred as they entered, hands gripping the chair arms, but he 
didn't look up. 

Kaid pushed through the others as they clustered just inside the doorway, reluctant to go any farther into 
the room. "T'Chebbi, check the place out," he ordered, gesturing 
at their new quarters as he made 
straight for Rezac. 

"Help her," said Tirak to his crew. "Rest of you stay here." 

"You were right, Kaid. I blew it," Rezac said, his voice hoarse and low. The effort of talking was 
obviously costing him dearly. "I've risked my whole Triad. Sorry, Zashou." His voice tailed off. Then, "Is 


Jo with you?" 

Jo with you?" 

"You don't understand, Jo was in the hold with me at the end," Rezac said, finally looking up at him. 

Kaid winced when he saw the state of his father's face. Sealant glistened on cuts across swollen eye 
ridges and cheeks, dried blood matted his hair and pelt, stained his clothing. Anger rose in Kaid, and a 
surge of protectiveness that shocked him. He reached out, touching gentle fingertips 
to his father's neck 
in compassion. "He did a good job on you." 

Rezac flinched away from him, a strange look in his eyes. 

Zashou was not so restrained. Crying out, she rushed over to them, jolting the chair in her distress, 
making Rezac moan. 

Kaid fended away her questing hands, capturing them in his. "He's been treated, Zashou. He'll recover. It 
looks worse than it is." 

"When a Valtegan bites a female," Rezac continued doggedly, 
licking his cracked lips, "his teeth inject 
something like a poison. It changes them, makes them violent toward any other male. They use it on their 
females to ensure they won't mate with anyone else. And there's only one way to neutralize the poison." 

A strangled cry made them turn round. The door had obviously opened again as Tirak had J'koshuk by 
the arm. "He knows where Jo is, don't you, Priest?" 

"I don't know where she is!" the Valtegan said, spilling the bundle of clothing he'd been carrying. "It's as 
the Sho-lan said, she was in the hold with me before they came." 

Kaid rose and in one fluid move, pushed Tirak aside and grasped J'koshuk by the throat. 

"Why? Why did M'ezozakk send her back?" 

But it was Rezac who answered. "It went wrong. M'ezo-zakk's bite really poisoned her. He sent her 
back to kill me when the priest had finished. She's dying, Kaid. I need to see her before…" He stopped, 
unable to go on. 

The noise had brought three guards into the room, rifles leveled at them. "Release the Interface," one 
ordered. "He is not to be touched." 

"Where is the female?" demanded Kaid, advancing toward them, dragging J'koshuk with him by the 
throat. "We know she's dying. He has a right to see her before she does!" 

"Release the Interface," repeated the guard, powering his gun up. 

Abruptly, Kaid released the priest, taking a step back. "He's free. Just bring us the female. She has a 
right to die with her own people." 

The lead guard hesitated as J'koshuk ducked between the other two and scuttled from the room. "She 
will be returned presently," he said, stepping back as the door slid closed. 

Kaid ran to the door but it was already locked. "Dammit!" 
he snarled, pounding it with his fist. His 
decision to surrender was costing tljem all too much. First Tesha's life, now Jo's. What would her death 


do to Rezac and Zashou? And what of his Triad, of Carrie and Kusac? He rested his head against the 
surface. Nothing had been gained, and their prospects were even worse now than they'd been with the 
Valtegans. 


He felt a hand on his shoulder, smelled T'Chebbi's scent. "This caring, it hurts too much," he whispered, 


clenching his fists in helpless frustration. 
"I know." She tightened her hand on his shoulder. "But we got work to do." Bending down, she began to 
pick up the scattered garments that the priest had been holding. 


The suite turned out to have five sleeping rooms off the main gathering area. Showers and toilet facilities 
were adjacent 
to the inner rooms. Heavy carpets covered the floors and each bedroom was equipped 
with several deep sleeping pads and blankets. 


"Obviously they like living close," observed Giyesh as she and Jeran returned to the lounge. 
"Not necessarily. They could sleep in shifts," said Sheeowl. 
Kaid had just finished searching the sanitary facilities when Rezac called him over. 
"You didn't ask me what I told them," he said quietly as Kaid squatted in front of him again. 
"I didn't need to," replied Kaid. "You told them as little as possible. I knew you wouldn't let us, or 


yourself, down." 
"Not a second time." 
Kaid rested his hand on Rezac's leg. "Were our positions reversed, I can't swear I wouldn't have reacted 


the same way." He tightened his grip briefly before moving away. "Try and rest for now." 
"Is clean," said T'Chebbi, coming over to join him. She'd been checking the main room and was the last 
to finish. "Getting beaten up like that must be a family trait," she said quietly to him. "Haven't seen 


anything so bad since we got you back from Ghezu and Dzaka got worked over on the estate because of 
Kitra." 
Kaid shot her a fulminating look before sitting down on the nearest couch. "Short of dismantling the 


lighting units and the air-conditioning, there are«BO surveillance devices to be found," he said to Tirak. 


"Big change from the cargo hold," said Giyesh. "I think they were expecting us. They knew exactly how 
many of us there are because the number of beds matches. Apart from the Cabbarans." 
"Still prisoners. Door is sealed, we can't leave," reminded 
T'Chebbi, finding herself a seat. 
"Impressions of our hosts?" asked Kaid, looking around the room as people began to settle on the chairs 


and couches. 


"Their suits aren't atmospheric," said Mrowbay. "They aren't fitted with breathing tanks, and the air's 
enough like what we breathe to rule that out." 
"Their translator spoke Sholan," said Jeran, taking a seat beside Giyesh. 
"I noticed that," said Zashou, returning from fetching a drink of water for Rezac from one of the bathing 


rooms. "Why our language when there are as many U'Churians? Seems very odd." 
"Everything about this is odd," said Tirak. 



"Could any of you look at their helmets without feeling sick, or was it just me?" asked Kate, sitting on a 
hard chair at the long dining table. 


"Not you," said T'Chebbi positively. "I felt it too." 
"I wonder if that's a side effect or the purpose of the visors," said Kaid. "The suits are certainly combat 
worthy. We could learn a lesson or two from them." 


"The helmet's ingenious," said Manesh. "Won't help us if we jump one of them, though. Be like trying to 


open a steel can with no opener or knife." 
"Primes, the priest called them," said Rezac. "Se-niormost, the one in gray." He stopped, catching his 
breath in obvious pain. "J'koshuk, the priest, he helped the medic that treated me. They have collars that 
inflict pain. He wears one. If we don't obey, they'll put them on us." He paused again. "He was told to 
warn us." 


"Well, now we see their claws," said Tirak. 


Kaid noticed Zashou put her hand up instinctively to her neck. "They haven't collared us yet," he said 
reassuringly. 
"There's no food dispenser, no water apart from in the sanitary facilities," said Taynar morosely. "I hope 


they plan to feed us." 
"No nibbles," agreed Mrowbay sorrowfully. 
This lightened the air a little, making them all smile. 
"No scent, no mental presence. It's as if they aren't there," said Kaid. "Are they actually alive?" 
"You mean artificial beings?" Tirak asked thoughtfully. "It's possible. They call that Valtegan their 


interface. I don't know how they managed to take us captive, but their technology is certainly more 
advanced than ours." 
"And ours," agreed Kaid. 


"They were expecting us," repeated Giyesh. "Even down to the number of beds. Sixteen." 
"Strange beds. Like beanbags back on Keiss," said Kate. "And the furniture, it's like ours, not for people 
with tails like you." 


"You can tell that by looking at their suits," said Tallis scathingly. 


"Not necessarily. They could have them tucked down one leg or have short tails! What're your space 
suits like?" 
Kaid couldn't stop his mouth opening in a slight grin. "She's got you there, Tallis." 
"Some of our soldiers have their tails amputated as a mark of their dedication," said Tirak. 
All the Sholan stared at him in horror, but it was Zashou who spoke. "How could they cut off a limb?" 
"Eh?" Tirak looked confused. "You use your tails?" 
"For balance, and more," said Jeran. "We still hunt on fours, don't you?" 



"Wrong shape of legs," said Giyesh, patting him on the thigh, grinning ingenuously and flicking her ears. 


"We came from trees, not the plains like you." 
Kaid caught a faint sound from outside. "Quiet," he warned, getting to his feet as the door began to slide 
back, admitting two guards. They stood, one to each side of the doorway, covering their group with rifles 
as a floating stretcher was brought in. Following it was a shorter figure in the gray tabard. 


"Your companion is returned," it said. "She will need caring for." 
Kaid moved quickly over to the floater. "How long?" he asked. 
"She will recover in a few days. The poison was very advanced. It will take some time to clear from her 


system, but she and the child will survive. Her medication is here." He gestured to one of the guards and 
Kaid was handed a pack containing several ampoules and a pressure hypo. "Give her a dose every 
thirteen hours." 

"Recover?" echoed Kaid. 
"Child?" said Rezac, trying to get up. 
"You must remove her from the floater," continued the mechanical voice. "She needs rest. We would 


have wished to keep her longer, but it was decided the distress it caused her injured mate would not aid 
his recovery." 

"Put her here," said Jeran, moving the low table so the way to the hurriedly vacated couch was clear. 
Throwing the pack to T'Chebbi, Kaid gently lifted the unconscious Jo and carried her to the couch, laying 
her carefully down. 


"The rest of my crew, where are they?" asked Tirak. 


"They are housed nearby. Do not concern yourself. Food will be brought shortly by our interface. You 
will not harm him again or punishment for all will follow. Is this understood?" 
"We understand all right," said T'Chebbi with a growl as the soldiers and their leader left. 
Rezac was trying to stumble over to the couch. Seeing him, Kaid held out a supporting arm, helping him 


sit down beside her. She lay still, her face pale against the silver blanket in which she was wrapped. One 
arm, a cannula and drug pack attached, was draped across her chest. Her hair was damp and she was 
wearing clean clothing. 

Kaid moved back, gesturing to the others to give them some privacy. He hadn't realized she was 
pregnant, but he should have expected it, given their new Link. Equally obviously, it had been news to 
Rezac. Another complication 
to add to the many they faced. At least she and the cub would live. This 
was what she'd been concealing from him on the Profit. 

As Rezac's hand closed on Jo's, she began to stir. 
"Jo," was all he could say. 
Her eyes flickered open and she frowned, trying to focus on him. "Rezac?" 
"Here. How do you feel?" 
"Better, but not good," she said, turning her head to look around her. "Kaid. We're all here?" 



"All," he said. 


She nodded, looking back to Rezac. "You're hurt," she said, puling her hand away from his to reach up 
and touch his face. 
He winced and she looked again at his hand. "Oh, Rezac, what did he do to you?" she asked, her voice 


barely a whisper. 
"It's nothing, my own fault," he said. "I shouldn't have called out like I did, but I couldn't let him bite you." 
A look of panic crossed her face. "The bite! I'll turn on you, Rezac, on all of you! He told me I would! 


You're not safe with me here!" She began to move, trying to sit up. 


"No, not now," he said, leaning forward slightly to cup her face in his hand. "They've reversed it, Jo. 
You're going to be all right, believe me." 
T'Chebbi was handing out the fresh clothing J'koshuk had brought. She came over to Kaid with his. 


"They knew she's pregnant by Rezac," she whispered. 
He nodded, putting his finger to his lips. "Later," he mouthed. 
Kaid carried Jo into the middle sleeping room, placing her carefully in one of the strange beds, pulling 


another over for Rezac and seeing him bedded down beside her, then he left them alone. 


"Why didn't you tell me you're carrying our cub?" Rezac asked, his hand caressing her face. "He'll be 
fine," he hurriedly 
assured her. "They said he was fine." 
"He?" she asked, holding his other hand carefully. 
He blinked, realizing that he'd given a sex to their child. 
"You said he." 
"I just sense it," he said. "Why did you keep this to yourself? Are you ashamed? Do you wish you hadn't 


conceived?" 
He tried to keep his voice even, not let her hear his concern. 


"No, Rezac, never that. I would have told you when we reached safety. I was just so afraid for us, and 
for… him." 
He nodded. That he could understand. Had he known she was pregnant, his fears for her would have 


been even worse. Leaning forward, he gently licked her cheek, changing 
it to a kiss when she turned her 
face to meet his. 

/ love you, he sent, wincing as he hurt his bruised face on hers. 
What will become of us, Rezac? Soon I'll be in no state to escape, even if we get the chance. How 
can we bring a child into this captivity? 


I don't know, Jo, but we're together, among friends. We'll survive, never doubt that! 


"The bite went wrong because she was pregnant," said Zashou, joining T'Chebbi at the dining table. "It's 
a miracle they were able to reverse it. Gods, what a mess!" She pushed a hand through her blonde 
braids. "Pregnant and captive. She must be terrified." 

"How do you feel about it Zashou?" asked T'Chebbi. "Can you cope, having lost your own cub so 


recently?" 
"My cub was born dead, malformed because of the laal-quoi in our food on Jalna. It should never have 


been conceived," 
she said. "Jo's good for Rezac in a way I could never be." She sighed, looking down 
at her hands, examining 
the claw tips. "We were ill-fated from the start. I wish he'd met her before me." 
T'Chebbi snorted derisively. "Liar! You love him as much, you just refuse to admit it to anyone, even 


yourself." 
Zashou's ears laid back angrily. "You've no right to say that!" 
"Is truth. I feel it. Why not admit it?" 
"He has Jo now," she said stiffly. 
"Needs you both. Loves you both as much," T'Chebbi said quietly. 
"How would you know?" she demanded. 
"I'm at the edge of a Triad. I don't even have as much as you." 
"And Kaid's besotted with Carrie," snapped back Zashou. 
"Have you no pride?" 
"More than you. I admit my need, and I know Kaid needs me as much as her. Don't be a fool, Zashou. 


Not too late to tell him how you feel. No disgrace to do it even now. Our situation similar, only Kaid met 


Carrie before me." 
"You were at the Brotherhood together before she even met Kusac! Or was it when he went back in 
time?" 


"He saw her in visions from the God," said T'Chebbi, breaking eye contact. "Rezac's not beneath you. 


His family is as good as yours." 
"You don't know anything about him!" she said angrily. "You and Kaid are equals! It was never that way 
between 
us!" 


"You sold yourself to keep the family going—married money," pointed out T'Chebbi. "Rezac has too 


much pride to do that." 
Zashou began to growl low in her throat. "Why are you so damned concerned about Rezac? What's it to 
you? Unless," 
she stopped, ears pricking forward. "Unless you know something I don't know about 
Rezac. Is Kaid his father? Is that what happened when they went back in time?" 


T'Chebbi looked up, catching sight of Tallis hovering nearby, realizing she'd said too much. She forced a 
laugh. "They didn't go back that far. Arrived only days before your rebellion struck, told you that 
already." She got to her feet. "Look at the size of our prison, Zashou. We got to get along. We don't 
need you and Rezac fighting all the time. Sort yourself out now. Come to terms with what happened. 
Gods, it's been how long? Two years at least!" 


"I had a life before him, T'Chebbi! A husband, a family…" she began. 
T'Chebbi leaned forward till her nose almost touched the other female's. "Had Valtegan overlords! Had 
living in fear as a telepath! You blame Rezac for troubles he didn't cause!" She pulled back and stalked 
off to the other side of the room where Kaid and Tirak sat deep in conversation. 



The damage had been done, though, and as she tumbled ideas over in her head, Zashou wondered if 
they'd gone back twice because they got it wrong the first time. A shadow fell across her and she realized 
Tallis had settled down opposite her. 

The damage had been done, though, and as she tumbled ideas over in her head, Zashou wondered if 
they'd gone back twice because they got it wrong the first time. A shadow fell across her and she realized 
Tallis had settled down opposite her. 

She couldn't believe she was hearing this! How dared he say that! She spat a few choice swear words at 
him, then told him to remove himself before she saw him off. With extreme satisfaction, she watched his 
ears flatten backward in acute embarrassment as he slid from the seat and beat a retreat to the other, 
smaller table. 

Then she stopped smiling as she realized that if someone like him was scenting her vulnerability, then her 
relationship 
with Rezac was a matter for common gossip. T'Chebbi was right. In this close a community, 
there were no secrets, and if she didn't want to remain an object of ridicule, she'd have to rectify it now. 
She slid her head down onto the tabletop, resting it on her forearms. Why had it gone wrong? T'Chebbi 
had been right again, she had liked Rezac at the start. Even he knew that because she couldn't hide it 
from him on their Link days. If only it hadn't been for their damned Link, they might have had a chance at 
a lasting relationship. She'd never loved Shanka Valsgarth, her husband. It had been nothing more than a 
marriage of convenience. His money for her family's social position. 

She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned her head to see Kaid. 

"Would you like to go and lie down?" he asked. "Tirak and I've been allocating rooms. We put you in the 
inner one on the right with Manesh and Mrowbay. Thought you'd be happier with some female company 
at least. We need to keep the middle room free for those with Link days." He hesitated, eyes darkening 
briefly in a pain she could feel at the memories the phrase engendered. "Jo and Rezac are in there just 
now. We have two days before Kate and Taynar need it. We'll have space in our room then. I'll leave it 
up to you three to decide who sleeps where." 

"Why are you so protective of him, Kaid?" she asked, too emotionally and physically exhausted to care 
any more. "Are you his father? Did you go back too soon?" 

Kaid looked startled. "Of course not. What gave you that idea?" 

"You're so alike. Jo noticed it." 

"You've got an active imagination," he said, moving away. 

She watched him as he walked back to the table. There was something about him, something in the way 
he moved, held himself, that reminded her so strongly of Rezac—but she was too tired to think it through. 
Sleep sounded like a wonderful idea. She pushed herself up from the table and made her way through to 
the room she'd been allocated. 

Lifting off the folded cover first, she flopped down into the giant pillow-shaped bed. Almost instantly, it 
molded itself to her shape with a fluidity that was quite unnerving. And it was warm against her pelt, 
almost as if it was alive. She was too damned tired to even care if it ate her while she slept. At least she'd 
know nothing about it and it would mean an end to her troubles. 

* * * 

J'koshuk stood at the back of the room watching the wide screen. He had to peer around the group of 


three gray-robed figures, but he could see enough to know he wanted to remain where he was, at the 
back, and hopefully inconspicuous. They were watching the crew of the M'ijikk. They had been placed 
in a large, sparsely furnished open room. A dozen tables and benches were all the comforts they had. At 
one end, a partition had just been drawn back, revealing the cages of their food animals. The doors were 
triggered open and the terrified animals leaped out and scattered among the Valtegans. 

three gray-robed figures, but he could see enough to know he wanted to remain where he was, at the 
back, and hopefully inconspicuous. They were watching the crew of the M'ijikk. They had been placed 
in a large, sparsely furnished open room. A dozen tables and benches were all the comforts they had. At 
one end, a partition had just been drawn back, revealing the cages of their food animals. The doors were 
triggered open and the terrified animals leaped out and scattered among the Valtegans. 

A calmness descended on him as he realized the Primes knew exactly what they were doing. What better 
way to reduce the number of captives and make sure those they retained were the best of their kind? 
One island of relative calm remained; those surrounding the general. 

It was silent—neither the robed ones nor the guards were communicating verbally between themselves in 
a way he could hear, and no sound penetrated from the room beyond. 
It was a stark contrast to the 
scene they were watching 
and sent a chill through him. 

A hand closed on his arm and he yelped in shock. It was the guard beside him. Silently he followed one 
of the gray ones out into the corridor, then into a room opposite. 

"These are your quarters. When you are not required, you will stay here. Your collar monitors your 
movements at all times. When we need you, there will be a pulse against your neck like this." 

Against his throat, he felt a sudden firm pressure that was gone almost instantly. 

"The door will be opened and you will be able to leave. You will come to the room we just left. Do you 
understand?" 

"Yes." 

"If you prove dependable and worthy of trust, you will be allowed the freedom to leave this room when 
you finish performing your daily tasks. If you transgress, you will be punished and your freedom revoked. 
Should you transgress a second time, you will join the next culling. Is that understood?" 

"Yes," he croaked, his mouth suddenly dry with fear. 

"A nourishment unit is supplied. You will eat and drink what is provided. There will be no more raw 
food. This is a designated rest period. You will eat and sleep for the next ten hours." With that, he was 
left alone, the door sealed and locked. 

The suite was large, meant for six if the number of bed units was an accurate guide. There were two main 
rooms— a lounging area and the sleeping one, as well as bathing facilities. He found a small pile of leisure 
items—games and reading material—from the M'ijikk in one of the beds, and a change of his own 
clothing. He'd been expected, like the Sholans. 

His stomach growled, reminding him it was many hours since he'd last eaten, and he went to investigate 
the nourishment 
unit. He'd gone beyond fear now, and was working on autopilot. 

The unit had been relabeled in his own language, just as when he'd been alone with them, his captors had 
communicated 
with him in Valtegan. The food, however, was alien and cooked, and included items 


labeled: Meat with green 

labeled: Meat with green 

The food arrived hot and steaming gently. The smell turned his stomach, but mindful of the warning of his 
host, he took it over to the table and began to cut it up with the provided cutlery. The knife was so soft 
that it barely sliced through the meat and the pronged thing he gave up on, using his fingers instead. At 
least the meat was still pink inside and hadn't been cooked all the way through. 

It lay in his stomach like an inert lump, making him feel bloated and uncomfortable. The water did little to 
help digest it and he got up to investigate the unit again. Perhaps there was something listed that would 
ease his discomfort. He staggered a little, catching hold of a chair back to keep his balance. He felt 
weak. This cooked food just didn't agree with him. 

Trial and error produced a brew that though warm, had a vaguely familiar taste to it. As the warmth 
spread through him, it began to ease the pain in his belly. He headed toward one of the padded chairs 
this time, lowering himself into it with relief. Eating cooked food might give him a pain in the gut, but if it 
kept him from the culling he'd just witnessed, then it was a small price to pay. He took a large mouthful of 
the drink, his thoughts turning to Mzayb'ik, wondering how he'd fared. Had he been one of those who'd 
stood by the general? Likely. Mzayb'ik wasn't a true opportunist 
like him. He had too much of a sense 
of loyalty, which got you nowhere at the end of the day. Lifting the small bowl, J'koshuk took another sip 
of what he assumed was an herbal tea, then rested his head against the back of the chair and yawned. All 
he had to do was follow their rules—for now at least. There had to be a chance for advancement 
if the 
Primes intended to keep them all captive. Whatever their ultimate purpose and destination, he would do 
well to be indispensable long before they arrived at it. It was what his caste were best at, after all. 
Surviving. 

* * * 

"The Cabbarans won't like this," said Sheeowl, pushing her food about her plate with the bendable fork. 
"It's mostly meat, and half raw!" 

"They'll like the vegetables, though," said Giyesh. "Nice and crunchy." 

"Mine's all right," said Kate. "You need to change the settings, that's all. I put them on high and the meat's 
cooked right through." 

"Could be worse, could be raw meat," observed T'Chebbi, munching contentedly on her meal. "Wonder 
what they gave the Valtegans." 

"You realize that the food could be drugged," said Tirak, eyeing a chunk of meat he'd finally managed to 
impale on his fork. 

Kaid had already finished. "I know," he said. "That's why I'm not eating much and only drinking water 
from the faucet. Even if it is, we don't exactly have an option, but we'll have an idea of what it does." 

"At least they gave us our own food and drink replicator," 
said Jeran. 

"I think I'll follow your example," said Tirak, pushing his half finished meal aside. 

"Nothing is free. It's the price they'll ask for all this that worries me," muttered Tallis. 

"There's no point in worrying about that now," said Tirak, getting up from the table. "I'm convinced that 


these are the Valtegans' enemy. Kaid, a word if you will." 
Kaid joined him on the couch farthest from the others. 
"We need to work together on this. My priority is escaping. 
What's yours?" asked Tirak. 
"The same, or getting a message out to my people telling them what happened." 
Tirak nodded. "So far, so good. Have you any thoughts on how we'll accomplish this?" 
"None yet. We're not far from the flight deck, that's a plus. The corridors were deserted but we don't 


know where in their daily cycle we are. It could be their night for all we know." 


"It might have been deserted, but you can be sure they've got us and the corridors under surveillance. 
They know too damned much about us for my liking." 
"I wonder if they found out about us before they took the M'ijikk, or after. They could have been pacing 


it, waiting 
for an opportunity to attack." 
"Some attack! Not a shot fired, we were all out cold on the deck!" snorted Tirak. "They must have been 


on top of us by the time that alarm went off. Why didn't M'ezozakk spot it? Not much you can do to 
defend yourself against that type of technology. And how the hell did they get our craft into their hangar?" 
"Possibly some kind of beam, maybe magnetic. We've certainly nothing like it. If we do get back to your 


ship, we'll have that to contend with when we try to escape. But our first step is to get out of these 
rooms, and stay out long enough to board the Profit. For that we need some of those suits, enough of 
them to look like a party of guards escorting 
the prisoners." 

"They wouldn't be taking them back down to the flight deck." 

"Perhaps they want information from the ship's computer, 
or if I'm right and the elevator's next to their 
sick bay, maybe they're escorting them there for a medical." 
"Rezac had medical attention. Perhaps he remembers where he was taken," Tirak observed. "Jo's 


unlikely to have been aware of anything much." 


Kaid shook his head. "He said something about a medic treating him in the hold. I don't think he'll be able 
to tell us much." 
"Worth a try. So for now, we observe." 
"We observe their routines, listen to noise levels outside, and look for opportunities to escape. We let 


them relax, think we're afraid to try anything. One day, they're bound to make that one slip of attention 
that'll give us our opportunity 
to escape." 
"Agreed. Tell me, Kaid. Why d'you launch the cryo units?" 
"M'ezozakk would have recognized them from Keiss," he said. "It was their best chance for survival." 


"And now? Will you tell these aliens they're out there?" 
"I can't. We don't know how safe we are. At least out there, they have a good chance of getting picked 
up by our people when they come looking for us." 


"Let's hope you're right," said Tirak, getting up. 



Kaid leaned against the back of the seat and closed his eyes. He wanted to sleep, to forget the 
happenings of the past few hours for a little time at least. 

Kaid leaned against the back of the seat and closed his eyes. He wanted to sleep, to forget the 
happenings of the past few hours for a little time at least. 

Brynne had been told to report to Vartra's Retreat when his Link day with Vanna was over. He was 
discovering it was quite different from Stronghold. Its emphasis was on the religious side and though there 
was a gym, it was not part of his schedule. He was taking a private condensed course on the cults of 
Vartra and Ghyakulla and religious meditation techniques. Interesting as it was, it had more of the feel of 
history lessons about it than anything else. 

His time was divided between there and Stronghold, where the physical side of his training continued, 
mainly with Jurrel as a tutor and sparring partner. His meetings with Kha'Qwa were part of his schedule, 
but as to what their purpose was, he wasn't certain. Discussions on social studies and current events 
were mainly what they talked about. But he did enjoy his visits with her. 

The need for Link days with Vanna was diminishing as her pregnancy advanced, so he was free to stay 
longer. This, coupled with the fact that it was difficult for him to remain isolated from the Sholan 
community because it was all there was, meant he was having to make the effort to fit in for the first time. 

"Is this actually a religious establishment?" he asked of Jurrel as they made their way from the refectory to 
one of the smaller common rooms. 

Jurrel gave him a curious look. "Tell me how you think it should be," he said. 

"I always associated retreats with people getting away from it, taking a break from the outside 
world—no comm units, no broadcasts and newsvids, just peace and quiet and prayer. 

"We have that, but of course," he said with a slow, open-mouthed smile, "we don't disturb them." 

"What about the priests or priestesses coming here to shut out the outside world totally and just pray or 
study?" 

"There are those," Jurrel agreed. "But they tend to live at shrines and come here only for study. We have 
a wonderful 
library of ancient texts and prophecies." 

"What about the self-denial? The living in poverty, working 
the land, and so on?" 

"Oh, we have people who do that, too, but not in our Order unless they've retired. The Brotherhood 
dues you pay also go to the upkeep of land where we can retire when we're no longer able for active 
service either as a priest or a warrior. Remember, Brynne, that Vartra is a God of Warriors, too. As for 
asceticism, why not enjoy good food? One can always fast if need be." He stopped, holding Brynne 
back at the door to the lounge. "It would be easier for you if you stopped trying to find a Terran 
comparison for everything when one doesn't always exist. Just be one with us, enjoy our world." He let 
him go and pushed the door open. "And our good food," he grinned, mouth opening 
widely. 

The beast was exhausted, they'd have to make a stop. Clenching his fists in the crest of hair down its 
spine, he jerked back sharply, causing it to lift its neck and snort. Its headlong flight began to slow 
gradually and by the time it was walking, sides heaving and sweating, he was able to bring it to a halt. 
Sliding down, he kept one hand firmly wound in the mane. 

Leaning heavily on his mount, he continued limping toward the distant mountains. There hadn't been any 
sign of pursuit yet. The false trail he'd cast must have worked. Now it was time to find a safe place for 
them to hide out for a day or two so he could rest up and let his wounds heal a little more. 


He winced as his foot turned on a stone, pulling at the swelling on his leg. He'd have to clean it again 
when they stopped. No matter what he did, he just couldn't seem to get out all the poison. A couple of 
days and it was as bad as before. Worse, if he was being honest with himself. The swelling kept growing 
larger and his fever was barely kept in check by the plants he'd eaten and chewed up to use as a 
poultice. Living rough and having to be constantly on the move didn't help at all. 

He winced as his foot turned on a stone, pulling at the swelling on his leg. He'd have to clean it again 
when they stopped. No matter what he did, he just couldn't seem to get out all the poison. A couple of 
days and it was as bad as before. Worse, if he was being honest with himself. The swelling kept growing 
larger and his fever was barely kept in check by the plants he'd eaten and chewed up to use as a 
poultice. Living rough and having to be constantly on the move didn't help at all. 

He'd have to hunt for food for both of them. The beast was so domesticated it wouldn't know how to go 
about finding prey in the wild. Suddenly he found himself falling as a root grabbed at his foot. The ground 
rushed up to meet him, knocking the breath from his lungs as he measured his length. How long he lay 
there, he'd no idea but gradually was aware of the beast tugging at his hair, lipping at his face with a 
tongue that felt like a piece of thick, wet sandpaper. 

"Yeah, I'm awake again," he mumbled, trying to push himself up, but he was too weak to stand this time. 
He lay there, smelling the dampness in the soil, feeling the chill air on his pelt, wondering if he'd finally 
reached the end of his endurance. The beast snorted and nosed something wet and bloody into his face. 

"What the…" He put out a hand to investigate and found the carcass of a fish. He began to laugh. 

He was being shaken quite forcefully, Brynne realized as he surfaced from sleep. "What the hell are you 
doing?" he mumbled, flailing at the hands. "Get off me, Jurrel!" 

The shaking stopped and he pushed himself up from the tangle of soaking sheets. His hair was plastered 
damply across his face and eyes. Reaching up, he pushed it aside then scrubbed at his beard and 
mustache. Jurrel was squatting 
on the bed near his feet. 

"Woke you again, huh? Sorry," he mumbled, beginning to unwrap himself from his damp bedding. "What 
was I doing this time?' 

"Laughing. Don't tell me, you were watching performing jeggets," said Jurrel dryly. "I think you owe me a 
decent explanation this time, Brynne. And don't tell me you just saw animals because I don't believe 
you!" 

"I told you, it's nothing," he said, getting up and heading for the bathing room. 

Jurrel launched himself off the bed, grabbing him by the arm. Brynne pulled away angrily. "Don't touch 
me!" he said, his voice almost a snarl. "I'm a telepath, I can't stand to be touched when this happens!" 

Jurrel took a step backward, hands held outstretched to show he meant no threat. "Brynne, you have to 
talk about it. You can't let this keep on happening without telling someone! You need help." 

"I need a shower," Brynne retorted, continuing into the bathing room. He stepped into the cubicle and 
turned on the water. He wanted to be left alone, nothing more, but Jurrel always stuck with him like he'd 
been glued on. They might be afraid something would happen to him during one of these visions, but each 
one scared the crap out of him. 

Sighing, he reached out for the container of soap. It wasn't there. Dashing the water from his eyes, he 
continued to fumble on the small shelf where it usually lived. 


"I have it," said Jurrel quietly from behind him. "I left it out when I showered earlier. Would you like me 
to help? If you won't talk, then perhaps I can relax you by washing 
you." 

"I have it," said Jurrel quietly from behind him. "I left it out when I showered earlier. Would you like me 
to help? If you won't talk, then perhaps I can relax you by washing 
you." 

His head hurt and when he tried to move, he felt sick. 

"Be still," said Jurrel's calm voice from beside his ear. "You fell and hit your head." 

"My side," he mumbled, trying to move his hand down to feel himself. "I hurt it, too." 

"Your side is fine. I caught you. You hit your head on the wall as you fell." 

"Must see," he said, forcing his head off the tiled floor. The room swayed and spun around him and he 
had to swallow hard to stop himself from throwing up. He felt himself being supported into a sitting 
position. 

"You're as obstinate as any Sholan," Jurrel complained, wrapping a towel around his shoulders as Brynne 
looked down at his side. 

"Nothing!" he said in shock, pulling at his naked flesh. "Not a mark!" 

"I did tell you," his companion said quietly, beginning to rub him gently with the towel. 

"I felt it, Jurrel—a burning pain in my side, just over the ribs." He looked up at him, confused. 

"What did you see?" 

"A room, lights and—tiles," he said, glancing down at the tiled floor beneath him. 

"Visions are strange things. Some are just snatches of scenes you never see any more of, some are events 
that might be happening, or might be to come in the future. Sometimes you never know what they are," 
he said, putting a hand under Brynne's chin and turning his face so he could look into his eyes. "Follow 
my finger." 

Shivering, he did as he was asked, then clutched the large towel closer. Jurrel got up and went for 
another. 

"You've got a mild concussion, no more. We have people who know how to make sense of visions. If 
you'll tell no one what you see, how can we help you?" 

"What is it with this world? This kind of thing doesn't happen back on Earth," he said as Jurrel helped him 
stand. Nausea swept through him again and he had to clutch at the Sholan to stop himself from falling 
over. 

"How do you know? Until we came, your people didn't even believe in telepathy and your gift was 
considered a freak and unstable," he said calmly, leading him back through to the bedroom and sitting 
him down on his own bed. 

Leaving him there, he went for Brynne's toweling robe and helped him into it, tying the belt round his 
waist before pulling the covers over him. 


"I'm going to fetch fresh sheets," he said, turning to leave. 

"I'm going to fetch fresh sheets," he said, turning to leave. 

Jurrel squatted down on the floor beside him. "Who? Do you know who it is?" 

"No. In the dreams it's always happening to me." 

"Can you tell where you're going?" 

"There was forest at first, now it's plains. I always travel at night to avoid being caught. I had a riding 
beast this time." 

"Is it sequential? Do you pick up where you leave off?" 

"No. I've traveled in between each dream. In this one I'd stolen the beast perhaps the day before. I'm 
injured, I know that." 

"In the side?" 

"Yes, but the worst one is on my leg. I have a fever." 

"Can you recognize any of the landscape?" 

Brynne began to shake his head then moaned as he regretted 
it. Jurrel reached out to touch his 
forehead, brushing 
aside the forelock that had fallen across his eyes. 

"No, I can't, but then I've not traveled much around Shola on foot. I'm Sholan," he added, his eyes 
catching Jurrel's. "That much I'm sure of. But the pain in my side had nothing to do with that, I know it 
didn't. That's something 
completely different." 

Jurrel's hand stroked his forehead again. "It could be a vision of when this traveler finally gets the medical 
help he needs. Maybe he's reaching out mentally and you're picking it up." 

"I don't know, Jurrel. I just wish the visions would stop," he said tiredly, closing his eyes. "I can't go on 
like this. I'm a danger to myself." He was remembering other dreams he'd had, about being cold and 
floating in an empty darkness. 

"That's why I'm here," said Jurrel quietly, continuing to stroke his forehead and smooth his wet hair away 
from his face. "We'll go and see Guardian Dhaika tomorrow and tell him about this." 

The touch was soothing, made the nausea retreat. Right now he didn't care that the hand was male, just 
that it was comforting. Sholan males were something of an enigma to him anyway, lacking some of the 
masculine qualities he was used to, yet having the gracefulness he associated with femininity. Some of 
them sent out all the wrong signals, as if they were a third, as yet uncharted sex all of their own. 

"There are more," he said, beginning to relax under Jurrel's 
touch. "The room I saw was part of them, 
but they don't make sense. Fear, there's always a sense of fear. I don't want to go to Dhaika yet. I 
haven't enough to tell him that sounds believable." 

"It's your choice, but please, keep talking to me about them. There's no need to shut everyone out. 
Between us we might discover what they mean. You've not had an easy time since you came to Shola. 
First a Leska Link, then these visions. It must have been incredibly lonely. You need friends, people you 
can turn to. I can be here for you if you wish." 


"What's your Talent, then?" he murmured, noticing the stroking had stopped. He was relieved to be able 
to talk to someone at last about the dreams, someone who wasn't going to ridicule him. "Empathy?" 

"What's your Talent, then?" he murmured, noticing the stroking had stopped. He was relieved to be able 
to talk to someone at last about the dreams, someone who wasn't going to ridicule him. "Empathy?" 

* * * 

Rhyaz sat down on the chair beside Lijou's desk. "The Rhijissoh's reached Jalna," he said. 

Lijou looked up from his work. "I heard. I take it we're in full communication with that world now." 

Rhyaz flicked an ear in assent. "Yes. Just finished speaking 
to Captain Kishasayzar and the four Human 
agents we left there." 

"So we now have up-to-date news on the situation there. Good. About time. Relaying it through the 
Sumaan ship took far too long. What news is there on the Profit?" 

Rhyaz picked up the crystal paperweight on Lijou's desk and began toying with it. "Contact negotiations 
have started, and the Cabbaran and U'Churian delegates are arriving 
in a few days to endorse the 
temporary agreement that Kaid reached with them on board the Rryuk's Profit." 

"Be careful of that, Rhyaz, it's an antique," warned Lijou. What was it with this paperweight? Everyone 
seemed to need to pick it up and handle it for some reason. He remembered the last time had been when 
Ghezu… 

"The news is bad." Rhyaz put the crystal down with a thump that made Lijou wince, even as he realized 
that his mind was suddenly going off into irrelevancies. He knew he didn't want to hear this news. 

"Still no word from the Profit, and Kaid neglected to tell us that Carrie was seriously injured." 

Lijou picked up the paperweight, finding comfort in the smooth surface. "How badly?" 

"Bullet lodged against her spine, an archaic Jalnian one with a soft tip. It's serious. She needed specialized 
surgery, that's why they put her in cryo on the U'Churian ship." 

"Then Kusac's in one, too. And they've been missing for three days," said Lijou slowly, trying to take it 
in. He roused himself. "What are Raiban and Chuz going to do?" 

"I had words with them. As of now, Rryuk's Profit is officially listed as missing. A search has been 
implemented along their last known route. The U'Churian delegates' ship is due at Jalna in two days. 
They plan to join us in the search, same with the Cabbarans they'll be bringing with them. If the Profit is 
there, we'll find it, Lijou. Could be nothing more than a comm breakdown. They might still turn up on 
schedule at Tuushu in four days' time." 

"It takes longer than four days for them to get there," said Lijou. "I know, I read the reports. They aren't 
officially 
due there for another seven days." 

"The Profit can get there faster because of their Cab-baran navigators. They've got…" 

"I read that report, too," interrupted Lijou. How was he going to break this news to Konis? It had been 
bad enough when the message at the palace had been given to him by mistake, but now he had problems 
enough with that younger daughter of his. And Rhyasha. It would break her heart to lose them both. 
"Don't try to convince me you believe it's a comm or engine failure. You wouldn't be insisting 
on a 
search now if you did." 


"We've got one of our own ships posted near the jump point at Tuushu. When they emerge, we'll see 
them. We can't afford to lose them, Lijou," said Rhyaz quietly. "There's also the fact that they're aboard 
the ship of two new allies to be taken into consideration. That was my lever with the High Council. We 
can't let any of the species that trade at Jalna think we're slow to respond to one of their missing ships at 
this stage in our treaty talks." 

"We've got one of our own ships posted near the jump point at Tuushu. When they emerge, we'll see 
them. We can't afford to lose them, Lijou," said Rhyaz quietly. "There's also the fact that they're aboard 
the ship of two new allies to be taken into consideration. That was my lever with the High Council. We 
can't let any of the species that trade at Jalna think we're slow to respond to one of their missing ships at 
this stage in our treaty talks." 

"Can you delay it? No need to worry them any sooner than we need to. As you say, we've seven days 
before we need to tell them." 

In his hands, the crystal suddenly seemed icy cold, and its chill went straight to his heart. He put it down 
just as hurriedly as Rhyaz had done. "You realize this could be what Vartra's warning was about. Not 
them, but why they've gone missing." 

"I'm already working on that assumption. All our people in the field have been contacted and put on alert. 
I'd be doubting the sanity of following the vision you had, but there's no way I can rationalize that coin 
you gave me." 

Lijou shivered. "Don't remind me," he murmured. "I've been visiting the temple more often than usual, 
hoping for an answer, another vision, even another visitation, dammit! But nothing! It's as if Vartra has left 
us to get on with it!" 

"What about any of our other visionaries?" 

"Nothing. No, wait. Dzaka came to me two days ago with a tale of Kashini screaming in fear for most of 
the night. He said he and Kitra had the distinct feeling she knew her mother and father were in danger. I 
dismissed it as pure fancy. Seems I might have been a little too quick in my assessment." 

"Contact Dzaka. See if he or Kitra have picked up anything 
more. And make sure every vision or 
dream, no matter 
how trivial or unrelated it may seem, is reported to you." 

Lijou nodded. "Is there anything else I can do?" 

"You're doing plenty as it is by using the priesthood to pass on messages to our people," said Rhyaz, 
getting up. "This remains between ourselves for now, Lijou. Chuz and Raiban don't exactly want it 
common knowledge either. Let's see where we are when the U'Churians arrive." 

CHAPTER 6 

Day 8 

A yowl of terror had Kaid leaping from his bed before he even realized he was awake. In his haste, he 
stumbled, his blanket caught round his legs. Cursing, he bent to free himself, 
flinging it behind him as he 
raced into their common lounge. He passed Mrowbay sitting slumped asleep on the couch but more 
important matters claimed him. The shriek sounded again, and this time he knew which room to go to. 
The middle door was open as, T'Chebbi now behind him, he headed into Rezac's and Jo's room. 

Zashou was crouched beside the two beds, keening. 

Reaching down, he hauled her to her feet. "What is it?" he demanded, shaking her. "Stop that damned 
racket, Zashou! 
You're not helping anyone, and I can't hear myself think!" 

She continued to howl, oblivious to his presence. He shook her again, and when she still didn't respond, 


he slapped her, a hard, stinging blow that made her gasp and put her hand to her face in shock. 
"You hit me," she faltered. 
"Damned right I did! Now, what's happened?" 
She pointed at the empty beds. "They're gone," she whimpered. "I came in to talk to Rezac, and they 


were gone!" 


Pushing her aside, Kaid joined T'Chebbi, who was already 
kneeling on the floor examining one of the 
empty beds. 
Pulling the cover off the other, he found what he was looking for. A red stain on the sheet at chest height. 


"Blood. His wounds were bleeding again." He let the cover fall back and stood up. 
"He's dead!" Zashou wailed. "They've taken him because 
he's dead!" 
"Enough," snapped Kaid, pushing past her and the group that had materialized around them. "If he were 


dead, you'd be as well, you know that!" He headed back to the lounge, reaching out mentally for either 
of the two missing people, and encountered a barrier he couldn't penetrate. "What the hell?" he muttered, 
then Tirak claimed his attention. 


"I heard Zashou. Who's missing?" the U'Churian demanded, 
clutching at the blanket he'd wrapped 


around himself 
for modesty. 
"Rezac and Jo. They're not with any of you?" asked Kaid, trying to catch the eyes of the circle of 
half-dressed U'Churians and Humans. He felt a flash of annoyance, then remembered their nudity taboos. 
They'd soon lose them, living in such close quarters. 


A chorus of negatives answered him. 
"Not in the sanitary facilities either," said T'Chebbi. 
"Have you seen these?" asked Taynar, holding a wrist comm out to him. "Our stuff. It's been returned." 
Automatically, Kaid took it from him. 
"They've been here while we slept!" said Zashou hysterically, 
pointing to the pile of assorted personal 


possessions that lay on the low table beside Taynar. "How could they come in here and take two people 
from their beds without us even knowing? What kind of beings are they?" 
"I was on guard," said Mrowbay quietly. "I don't remember 
seeing anyone." 


"Were asleep when I came through," said T'Chebbi. 
All eyes turned on the helpless Mrowbay. He shrugged, ears flattening briefly. "I don't understand it," he 
said. "I wasn't even tired." 


"He's not to blame," said Kaid. "His sleep couldn't have been natural. To take two people out of here 
without waking 
any of us is virtually impossible." 


"Why? Why have they taken them?" demanded the distraught 
Zashou. 
"Is obvious," said T'Chebbi, looking through the pile of possessions on the table. "His wounds were 
bleeding, and she's pregnant. Maybe something happened to her in the night, too." 



"I know what they were doing, damn him!" said Zashou hysterically. "That's all Rezac's good for, 


fathering cubs!" 
"Why not?" countered T'Chebbi, looking up at her. "You don't want him or his cubs. Why should he 
waste himself on you?" 


"Enough, both of you!" Kaid roared, losing his temper. "Zashou, don't be so damned stupid! Neither of 
them was in a state to do anything last night except sleep! T'Chebbi, leave her alone. Am I the only one 
to see the real implications 
here?" 


"How'd they know they needed medical attention?" asked Mrowbay. 


Kaid rounded on him. "Right! They must have some kind of monitoring devices on them. Dammit, I 
should have thought to search them both!" 
"I'd not have thought of it either," said Tirak. "They were in such a bad way, who'd have wanted to 


disturb them with a search?" 
"Not the point," said Kaid, sitting down. "I should have." 
Manesh indicated the pile on the table. "No, it's my responsibility. 
I'm the security officer. Everything 


they give us, including all of this, we should now consider suspect." 
"They'll be clean," said Sheeowl quietly. "When they can knock out our watch and possibly the rest of us 


as well, come in and remove two injured people without waking us, they don't need to plant devices in 
our wrist comms." 
"She's right," said Tirak, hoisting his blanket more securely 
around himself. 
"I'll check them anyway," Manesh said firmly, holding her hand out for Kaid's wrist comm. 
"What now?" asked Tallis. "What do you intend to do to protect us? We're civilians, not part of your 


military forces. We have a right to protection. Who're they going to take next?" 


Kaid sighed. "We'll put two people on watch tonight. It's unlikely they'll take anyone else, Tallis. Rezac 
and Jo obviously needed medical attention, that's why they're gone." 
"There's some books and vids among this lot," said Sayuk, who'd been looking through the pile. "No use 


without 
a vid unit, though." 


"Like that?" asked Taynar, pointing to a squat object sitting in what had been one of the vacant niches in 
the far wall. 
"Like that," she agreed, looking over at it. "It's ours, from the Profit." Her tone was frankly incredulous. 
Tirak sat down in the nearest seat. "I don't understand this. Why keep us prisoners yet provide us with all 


the comforts of home?" 


"Boredom increases the need to try to escape," said Kaid. "This makes us hope the Primes will get 
around to releasing us if we cooperate with them." 
"You don't know that they won't," countered Tallis. "They've not questioned any of us, not offered us any 


violence. 
They may well let us go." 
"You were the one demanding to be protected a moment ago," said Manesh. "Now you think they're 



harmless. Make up your mind, Tallis!" 

harmless. Make up your mind, Tallis!" 

"Stow it, Tallis," said Kaid sharply. "We're in this together. 
As you said, you're a civilian. You'll do what 
you're told and like it." 

As Sheeowl had predicted, their belongings were clean. Lighting and heating they already had access to, 
but now that they could keep track of time, they felt more in control of their environment. The door to the 
corridor outside let in only faint sounds, but they were able to hear when people 
were passing by. 

At first, Tirak kept his crew close and alert, but as the hours passed and they remained undisturbed, he 
allowed them to relax, realizing they'd be burned out long before the need for action came, if it ever did. 

As their day wore on, Kaid watched with a detached interest as the two crews formed social groupings. 
It gave him something to do other than worry about the continued absence of Rezac and Jo and the fact 
that mentally, he couldn't reach beyond their suite. The return of his wrist comm had given him cause for 
concern because his, unlike those of the other Sholans who wore one, was fitted with a personal psychic 
damper which was still working. Although 
the feel of the mental barrier wasn't the same, he wished he 
could be sure that the reason he couldn't penetrate 
beyond the walls of their suite had nothing to do with 
the Primes finding the device. 

As they began to settle after their last meal of the day, he noted Giyesh and Jeran finally move quietly off 
to a corner of the lounge on their own. He knew of their night together on Jalna and had seen them 
meeting for odd stolen 
hours together on the Profit. Sensing Tirak about to interfere, Kaid reached 
across the table to touch the other's hand, nicking his ear in a negative before he realized the captain 
wouldn't understand the Sholan gesture. 

"Leave them," he said quietly. "They strengthen each other. He needs her even if she doesn't need him. 
He's been through a lot recently, and just lost two of his companions. 
They're not undermining any 
discipline, quite the reverse. They're showing the rest of us we can work together." 

Before Tirak had time to reply, the door slid open and J'koshuk entered. Instantly, Kaid was up and 
moving toward him. As the door slid shut, his hands closed around the Valtegan's throat, slamming him 
against it. 

"Where are they?" he demanded, ears laid sideways and lips drawn back from his teeth in a snarl of 
extreme rage. 

"Who?" hissed J'koshuk, clawed hands scrabbling at Kaid's forearms, his voice barely audible because 
of the pressure on his throat. "No one is missing!" 

Shifting his grip, Kaid was surprised to feel metal under his hands. Hooking the fingers of his left hand 
round the band, he hauled the priest into the center of the room. A quick glance told him all he needed to 
know about it for the moment. 

"Two of us are gone! Where are they? When will they be returned?" he demanded, shaking him by the 
collar. 

"They're back," wheezed J'koshuk, trying to keep his voice calm as he clutched at Kaid for support. 
"They were only gone for a few hours." 

"Liar!" shrieked Zashou, bearing down on them, claws outstretched. "We've spent the day watching and 


waiting!" 


Kaid fended her off until T'Chebbi ran over and grabbed hold of her, then he hauled J'koshuk closer. 
"Where are they?" he asked again, staring into the other's bulbous green eyes. 
The priest flinched and looked away. "I watched them being returned myself not thirty minutes ago." 
Kaid felt a cold knot of fear grip his lower belly. "Check it out, T'Chebbi," he said calmly. Suddenly, he 


was afraid to discover J'koshuk was telling the truth. The seconds stretched interminably as he waited for 
her to return. 
"They're back. Are sleeping," she said. 
Zashou whimpered in fear, then Kaid heard a dull thump as she hit the ground. 


"Fainted," said T'Chebbi in disgust. 
Knowing her as he did, Kaid could hear the note of uncertainty 
in her voice that the others would miss. 
He returned 
his attention to the priest, smelling the stench of his fear. "You're their creature, their 
servant. What manner of beings are the Primes? What did they do to my people? Why did they take 
them?" he demanded. 


"They were taken to the medical unit for treatment. Beyond 
that, I know nothing, not even what the 
Primes look like!" 


"You're running their errands! You must know more than that!" 
"I'm a captive like you. I do just that, run their errands, under guard. I've been sent to check on the 
male." 


"You caused his condition!" snarled Kaid, giving him another shake. 


"They know that," said the priest quietly when he'd stopped. "Now release me and let me do my job. If I 
were you, I'd not earn their displeasure. It isn't me they'll punish." 
Kaid snarled his anger but released him. Something was wrong about this priest. He followed him, 


watching J'koshuk as he checked Rezac's dressings, felt his pulse. Obviously satisfied, J'koshuk turned to 
leave, and found Kaid blocking his way. 
"What about her?" He indicated Jo. 
"I wasn't instructed to check her." 
"Where did you get your medical training in Sholan physiology? 
J'koshuk looked startled. "What do you mean?' 
"Where did your sudden concern for us come from, 


J'koshuk? You hate us as a species, want nothing more than to destroy us. What changed?" 
"I don't know what you're talking about. I do what the Primes order me to do," he blustered, but Kaid 
could see his protruberant eyes widening in fear. 


"You hadn't noticed, had you? What have they done to you, J'koshuk? What price are you paying for 



being their messenger? Get out of here, and don't bother coming back. Tell your masters you're not 
welcome." 

being their messenger? Get out of here, and don't bother coming back. Tell your masters you're not 
welcome." 

Kaid stood aside. "Then don't return here without information 
for me," he said quietly. "I want to know 
what the Primes want with us, and if any of your people have gone missing." 

J'koshuk edged past him into the main room. As he did, the door hissed open to reveal armed guards, 
rifles pointed at him. 

"Do not intimidate the Interface," the translator intoned as J'koshuk fled to safety. 

They woke Jo and Rezac, and though mindful of the fact they were injured, searched them thoroughly for 
any monitoring devices. They found nothing. Neither of them had any memory of even leaving the room, 
and only the fact that Rezac had fresh dressings and Jo's cannula had been removed, convinced them that 
anything at all had happened. That night, no one wanted to go to the bedrooms. 
They preferred to 
remain together in the lounge. 

* * * 

Day 9 

The next day, J'koshuk awoke to a pulsing in his collar— his alarm call. Flinging his clothes on, he 
quickly headed for the food dispenser and chose some eggs and the warm herbal drink he'd had the night 
before. He didn't relish facing a day with stomach problems. He'd barely finished when the soldiers 
arrived for him. 

They led him to a room up the corridor, away from his own and the Sholan quarters. As soon as he 
entered it, he could feel the pigment drain from his face. Walls and floor were tiled in white, a color he 
knew showed up the brightness 
of blood to devastating effect. The lighting was bright but could be 
intensified by moving the large circular units standing a short distance away. It reminded him too 
forcefully 
of his office in Geshader, on Keiss. 

In the center stood a chair with a rack of surgical implements 
close beside it. The chair was different, 
more comfortable 
than his interrogation chair had been, padded in an easily cleaned seamless fabric, but 
it reclined from upright 
to a full bed size, with attached anchorage points for wrists and ankles as well as 
neck. And at the neck was a series of wired contacts that he knew instantly fixed onto collars like his. It 
might also look like a medical room, but he didn't need the old scent of Valtegan fear to tell him its last 
purpose had been for interrogation. 

An armored glove closed with a viselike grip on his shoulder, propelling him into the room. He knew his 
options—
he went quietly, or he suffered pain and went anyway. 
Pulling away, he found he was 
released instantly. Walking over to the chair, he sat down, noticing somewhere deep in his mind that it fit 
him easily. The guards stayed where they were and he realized with surprise, they had no intention of 
fastening him down. 

The minutes passed and it grew more difficult to avoid staring at the instruments on the rack. He 
concentrated on looking around the room again, examining it, looking for the subtle differences. It was 
spacious compared to his room in Geshader, and a palace compared to the cargo hold on the M'ijikk. 
He smelled antiseptic in the air, overlying 
the strengthening scent of fear he knew was his own. Four 
sealed body-sized units backed onto the far wall. Above them were monitor screens. Maybe it doubled 


as an emergency medical room. It certainly wasn't the main one he'd accompanied the unconscious 


Rezac to. 
The heavy sound of approaching feet made him turn to look over his shoulder. Two of the Seniormost 
Primes. He quickly turned back, hoping they hadn't noticed him, but it was impossible to tell under those 
helmets. 


They came round in front of him, arms hanging easily at their sides. 
"We will question you now. You are our Interface, one who will move freely among the captives if you 
prove your honesty. We do not expect lies. If you lie, we will know it and one of the guards will punish 


you. They have been adjusted to have no compunctions about inflicting pain. They will stop only when 
ordered. Is that understood?" 
J'koshuk blinked rapidly, unable to stop his fear sphincters 
releasing their scent. They adjusted their 


own kind? What was behind those visors? What manner of beings were they? 
"Why did you take the ship called Rryuk's ProfitV asked the flat, mechanical voice. 
"For the navigators, the Cabbarans," he said quickly. Keeping information from the Primes wouldn't help 


him. There were several among the bridge crew who could tell them this. 
"Why?" 
The voice seemed to come slightly from one side this time, but he couldn't be sure. It unsettled him, not 


knowing which one he was talking to. 


"We were disgraced at home and couldn't return without facing our execution. We hoped the navigators 
would buy us our lives." 
"What value have these aliens to your kind?" 
"They can navigate during jumps." 
"The nature of your disgrace?" 
He turned his head slightly, looking from one to the other. Which one had spoken? "We lost our Rest and 


Recuperation 
world to the Sholans when they answered a distress 
call from the Humans." 
Silence, while they obviously conferred with each other. Then, "How did you learn of Jalna?" 
"From a small trading ship we captured some time ago." 
"What took you to Jalna? You have not been seen there before." 
"Our ship had been damaged in escaping from Keiss and needed repairs. We knew we could sell the 


four Sholans there for the supplies we needed. That's where we saw and heard about the Cabbarans." 
"If they defeated you on Keiss, how were you able to take these Sholans?" 
J'koshuk twitched. He'd been hoping they wouldn't ask. "Our Commander of Forces called us to take 


part in a military mission." 
"Its nature?" 



"I don't know. I am only the priest, not included in bridge briefings unless summoned by the Captain." He 


couldn't stop his tongue from flicking out nervously. 
From the neck down a tidal wave of pain washed through him, setting every nerve on fire, making his 
body twitch uncontrollably. It seemed to go on and on, then just as suddenly, it stopped. 


He lay panting in the chair, barely able to open his eyes or think coherently. 
"You lie." The mechanical tones were devoid of inflection. 
"I don't," he whimpered. "We followed orders, placed ourselves in a formation around the Sholan 


worlds. "That's all I know." 


A guard stepped forward, and taking him by a handful of his robes, lifted him up and slammed him into 
the back of the chair. 
"I don't know!" J'koshuk said frantically, clawing at the armored glove. "All I know is that we destroyed 


every living thing on both worlds!" 
The guard released him, letting him fall back to the seat. 
"Where did the weapon come from?" he was asked after a moment or two of silence. 
"I don't know," he said, gripping the arms of the chair, bracing himself for more pain. "It wasn't on our 


craft. Only General M'ezozakk would know." 
"You did more than trade at Jalna. You left something behind. What was it?" 
He looked from one to the other in shock, trying desperately 
to remember what they'd done there. How 


did the Primes know so much about them? "The Holy Object!" he said in a rush. "We sent it down to 
protect it from the authorities on M'zull in case they wouldn't accept us back. We hoped one day to 
retrieve it." 


"Describe it." 
"A large cube. It hurt to look at it." This was something he did know about and he could hear himself 
beginning to babble in his urgency to tell them about it before they turned on his collar again. "Light 


seemed to bend round it and it felt strange to the touch. It wasn't heavy—moved easily, as if floating. It's 
been worshipped in the General's family for generations." 
Silence fell while they considered his answer. 
"What is the location of this Human world?" he was asked at length. 
He could taste the sudden rank smell of his fear strongly now. He clenched his hands tightly round the 


arms of the chair, claws indenting the semi-rigid surface. "It's not my job. I'm only a priest who 


interrogates those the Church considers heretics. I'm not trained as a navigator." 
Again the silence. He'd never before experienced such terror. Though his body was shaking, another part 
of him was sitting back, analyzing what they were doing that was so effective. 


"The food. Do you cope with it? It is nutritional for your kind." The question shocked him with its 
incongruity. 
Briefly he wondered whether to lie, then decided against it. "It hurts my stomach. I need freshly killed 



meat, eaten raw, not cooked." 

meat, eaten raw, not cooked." 

"But it isn't raw!" 

"Accustom yourself to it. There is no reason why you cannot. Your stomach is capable of processing it." 
The reply was said almost before he'd finished talking. 

"You have work to do shortly, using your particular skills. You will choose one of your crew to 
interrogate. The guards will aid you. Return to your quarters and clean yourself." Both Primes turned 
away from him and began to walk away. 

"Me?" 

"You question our decision?" 

He could almost hear the implication in the flat, inflec-tionless voice. "No," he said hurriedly, getting out of 
the seat before they changed their minds. Why did they want him to question his fellow crew members? 
Then he supplied 
his own answer, because he obviously knew them better. 

As the guards escorted him back to his rooms, he realized 
that to return him to his quarters like this, the 
Primes were capable of smelling his scents. So the suits were two-way, they concealed his abductors' 
natures, not protected them. He put this to the back of his mind to consider later, when he had more such 
small facts. 

* * * 

Mara had only just collapsed into a chair at the long trestle table when she heard a footfall behind her. 
Smothering 
a sigh, she waited for the inevitable words. They didn't come, instead the steps stopped and 
she felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw Greg standing over her. 

"You did a good job explaining to Toueesut why he wasn't invited to the Sholan funerals yesterday," he 
said, passing her a cup of coffee. "Can I join you?" 

"Sure," she said, taking the mug from him. "How'd you know I wanted a coffee?" 

He slid onto the seat opposite her, putting his own coffee on the table before handing her a sandwich. He 
leaned closer, almost whispering in her ear. "Dealing with our Touiban colleagues still gives me a 
headache. You've no idea how grateful everyone is that they've taken to you. Leaves me free to get on 
with our own work rather than mediating between our species. I've a proposition to put to you," he said, 
sitting back and taking a sip of his drink. "I've been talking to Dzaka. We've a space on the team, and he 
says you're free to take us up on any offer of employment 
we want to make. Are you interested in 
formalizing 
what you've been doing with us? And getting paid for it?" He grinned, looking at her over the 
top of his glasses. 

Mara took a bite out of her sandwich, looking consideringly 
at him. In his mid-thirties, he was 
considered young for the position of team leader here at the monastery site, but any objections from the 
Earth delegation had been overridden by the Clan Lord as head of Alien Relations. The Humans had 
wanted Greg, the Sholans wanted him, and the Touibans were ecstatic to see the back of their previous 
team leader. End of discussion. 

"I know you don't need to worry about money, being a member of the En'Shalla Clan, but…" he began. 


"Oh, it's not that," she said, interrupting him. "I like what I'm doing now. I don't know if I'd want to be 
told where to go and what to do." 

"Oh, it's not that," she said, interrupting him. "I like what I'm doing now. I don't know if I'd want to be 
told where to go and what to do." 

Mara grinned and reached out to touch his hand where it lay on the table. "It's all right. I do know what 
you mean," she said. 

"Uh. I suppose you do, being a telepath," he mumbled, running a hand through his thinning sandy hair to 
hide his embarrassment. "Well? Are you interested?" he returned doggedly to his original point. 

She took another bite of her sandwich. "Master Konis wants me recruited to AlRel in the fall." 

"What about till then? You might be able to do both. You'd continue to get hands-on experience with our 
Toui-bans," he wheedled, making his pale blue eyes wide and innocent. "At least think seriously about it. 
See what Josh says." 

She couldn't help but laugh at his humor. "Josh says I should accept, but…" 

"Then it's done," he said, sitting back satisfied. "May I be the first to officially welcome you to the team?" 

"It isn't that easy!" she exclaimed, slightly rattled at being bulldozed into the position. Within her mind, she 
could feel Josh sending soothing and congratulatory thoughts. "You already asked Josh about this!" she 
said. "Has this been set up between the two of you?" 

"Not at all," said Greg, suddenly very much the professional. 
"You're genuinely being offered a position 
on the team. The fact that if we don't have you, then we have to accept whoever HQ sends has nothing 
to do with it. You were unanimously elected to the post." 

Conflicting emotions were running through her now. 

Some of the surprise and pleasure she'd felt had evaporated. 
Sandwich discarded on the table, she 
began to get to her feet when a familiar trilling and gentle scent wafted over her. She shut her eyes and 
groaned softly. 

"Is trouble? We watch from farther away so no intruding into your business, but concern makes me need 
to approach." 
The familiar fluting tones of the Touiban Speaker, Toueesut, sounded from behind her. 
"Happiness there should be at being part of this great digging and finding of ancient artifacts. Talent you 
have in plenty for the job, and ability to focus on what is important. You are the ideal Human for the 
position." 

"Everyone's been consulted apart from me," she said, letting herself fall back into her seat. 

"I said it was unanimous," said Greg placidly. 

"Who's behind all this? Is it Vanna, suggesting it as therapeutic 
for me?" she demanded, not sure 
whether to be offended or not. 

"Vanna has nothing to do with it. And we can't afford to have someone working for us who isn't pulling 
their own weight," said Greg. "This site is still the most complete one on Shola, the most important. None 


of us would be here if HQ had any inkling exactly what is buried here. Only the fact it's on En'Shalla 
territory has prevented all of us from being replaced. They'd love to get us winkled out of here and their 
top experts in—not just for the site, but because they'd be able to put some anthropologists and others in 
the team and spy on you all!" 

of us would be here if HQ had any inkling exactly what is buried here. Only the fact it's on En'Shalla 
territory has prevented all of us from being replaced. They'd love to get us winkled out of here and their 
top experts in—not just for the site, but because they'd be able to put some anthropologists and others in 
the team and spy on you all!" 

Not true, sent Josh. The person who suggested it was Master 
Konis himself as soon as Garras 
showed him the request to send a new team member out here. Why look anywhere but among our 
own when we have you, and you have all my knowledge at your fingertips? 

It's not mine! It's not for me, it's for the estate! she replied. 

"It is that we are bothering you too much, that we make too many demands on your person?" asked 
Toueesut, his bristly chin wriggling in concern as he fairly bounced around from foot to foot behind her. 

In the distance, she could hear the distressed trilling of his swarm mates. As she turned, she saw them 
swirling round each other in an intricate dance. 

"No, no," she said placatingly, touching him on the sleeve of his brightly embroidered jacket. "It's nothing 
you've done. You know I'm happy to help you at any time." 

"Then why you distress all with your confusion over accepting 
this position?" he asked, catching hold of 
her hands, beginning to almost massage them with his callused, leathery fingers. 

She'd never gotten this close to one of the little people before and now that they were touching, she could 
feel his thoughts and emotions, was aware of how soft and fragile he felt she was. His hands held hers 
firmly yet they were never still, the thumbs rubbing over the back of her hands, the fingers doing dances 
of their own across her palms and digits. She marveled at how hands that had essentially evolved for 
supporting themselves against the ground and rocky outcrops in order to walk upright could be so 
flexible at manipulating almost microscopic electrical components. How could these beings be the comm 
tech experts of the Alliance? 

"It is us who requested you be made a permanent member 
of our working community, so that the high 
level of peace and efficiency could be maintained," he said, enveloping 
her in sweet scents of every kind 
until she was almost choking. "We are those responsible for being selfish enough to want you to continue 
smoothing, matters between the discordant ones and ourselves. It is your music that sounds so sweetly in 
our minds when you are here." He stopped, even to the point of standing still and holding her hands 
tightly between his own. 

"Stay," he said. "It would sadden the swarms if you did not. Is it selfish to want to work with those who 
create harmony in our lives on a world alien to us both? You bring a touch of home to us." 

Astonished by them for the second time, Mara could only blurt out, "But why? Why me? I've done 
nothing special for you!" 

Toueesut put his head to one side, brown eyes twinkling at her from their dark sockets, the bristles 
around nose and chin suddenly pointing forward as he concentrated totally on her. "But you have," he 
trilled softly as behind him the other eleven Touibans made a harmonious accompaniment to his voice. "I 
told you. Your mind-music sounds sweeter than any others here." 

Mara Ryan, came the thoughts of Konis Aldatan in her mind, Have you any idea of the breakthrough 
you've made with these people? If you dare turn that position down… 


"I'll take it," she said hurriedly, though she knew well that Master Konis had only been half-joking. "I'll do 
what you want, work with the team." 

"I'll take it," she said hurriedly, though she knew well that Master Konis had only been half-joking. "I'll do 
what you want, work with the team." 

From the lab, Dzaka watched the remarkable display dispassionately. 
At his side, Josh stood, mouth 
agape, experiencing 
it as immediately as Mara. When she was eventually returned to her seat at the 
table, he spoke to Dzaka. 

"How unusual is this kind of behavior?" 

"Unique," said Dzaka, looking away and continuing with his cataloging. "Interaction with other species is 
normally strictly confined to business. They prefer to interface with us through a telepath, and tend to live 
in Valsgarth rather than any other city. Master Konis could tell you more if you're interested, or one of 
the AlRel staff living on the estate." 

"He already has," said Josh, watching the two groups of Touibans returning to the lab, chattering and 
trilling as they went. "Toueesut said he liked her mind-music, and Master Konis has just called it a 
breakthrough." 

Dzaka grunted in surprise, interested despite himself. "I always thought they had a level of awareness akin 
to our psi talents. They've been employed at Stronghold before now, and never demanded a telepath 
from us. I take it she decided to accept the post." 

"Yes." 

"She needed a direction, now she has it. She's already paid the Touibans back in full for their support of 
you both against Pam Southgate." 

"So that's partly why they asked for Pam to be removed from the team. We could never figure out why,'' 
Josh said thoughtfully. 

Dzaka looked up at the bearded Human. "If they sensed her mind, then they'll also know yours," he said. 
"Even more so now you're Leska Linked." 

Josh shrugged, dark eyebrows disappearing beneath his sandy hair in embarrassment. "Yeah, it's weird 
being the only Human Leska pair. I wish Zhyaf hadn't died, but it was no life for Mara being Linked to 
him. Look, I'm sorry things are bad between you and Kitra." 

"Kitra decided there's no longer anything between us," he said, concentrating on copying the data from 
the notebook 
into the comp unit. 

"I didn't realize things were that bad. Everyone's saying this bonding is just a political one." 

"It's political," he agreed, "but no less real because of that." 

"You should have asked for her yourself." 

"I couldn't. She has to marry within the Clans to pass on the telepath bloodlines," he said shortly. Why 
the hell did everyone feel the need to give him advice he couldn't take? 

"We're a Clan," Josh pointed out as he went back to his work. "And your parents were telepaths. 


Everyone knows Kaid is or he couldn't be Kusac's and Carrie's Third." 

Everyone knows Kaid is or he couldn't be Kusac's and Carrie's Third." 

"Dzaka," he began. 

"You know nothing about our family," said Dzaka, his anger boiling briefly to the surface as he glared at 
the Human. "My father had to conceal our relationship even from me until a few months ago because he 
feared for my life at the hands of Ghezu! Do you think I'd betray him for anything?" 

"I didn't mean it like that," stammered Josh. "You're right. I know nothing about your family. I should 
have kept my mouth shut." 

The fire went out of Dzaka's eyes and he sighed, breaking 
eye contact. "No, I should apologize. I know 
you're like all the others, only concerned for us. I'm gene-altered, like you. I can't give her the cubs the 
Clan Council de-mands. There is nothing I can do but accept the Clan Lord's decision." 

"Is there anything we can do? You really love each other, don't you? Mara could take a message to her if 
you want." 

"I gave my word to Master Konis not to communicate with her until after the bonding, and Kitra's made 
it plain she wants nothing to do with me because of that. It's over between us, Josh. I've had to accept it, 
so will everyone else." He'd finally said it, and as he did, he could feel it take form, a reality all its own. 
Logic was one thing, feelings and emotions were another. He felt the coldness he'd known when he heard 
of the death of his wife and cub begin to creep once more into his heart. This was the last time he'd let 
himself care so deeply for another person. "It's over." 

* * * 

Day 10 

Snow and ice covered everything, turning the false dawn into a pale blue wonderland. Before Carrie's 
face hung the tendrils of some plant; caught and encased in ice, they glittered 
and sparkled in what little 
light there was. They chimed hollowly as they swayed gently against each other in the faint breeze. 

She became aware of the cold then—a cold so bitter it almost burned, enough to freeze the dead. 

"Not in my realm," a voice purred in her ear. "My snows insulate the ground, keep it warm, letting the life 
within sleep and gather strength to face the heat of the new year. Like you, my soft, furless Sholan." A 
cool tongue tip touched her cheek, caressing it briefly. 

Carrie whimpered. She could feel a furred body pressed against her, an arm laid across her shoulders, 
but she herself 
was unable to move. 

"You're safe while you sleep within my arms, little one, but your Warrior will not fare so well. I grant you 
this last look at him before you wake." 

A silver-pelted arm reached past her, parting the frozen fronds till she could see Kusac lying sleeping 
within a bank of snow. Only his head remained visible. Fear leaped into her heart at the sight of him. 

"Hush, little one! He rests safe for the moment," Khuu-shoi said softly, her breath cold upon Carrie's 
cheek as she held her closer. "It's been so long since anyone visited me here. Dreamers like you are 
rare." 


Coldness, not warmth, spread from Khuushoi's body to hers. Carrie tried to move, to reach out for 
Kusac, but she was held still within the embrace of the Goddess of Winter. 

Coldness, not warmth, spread from Khuushoi's body to hers. Carrie tried to move, to reach out for 
Kusac, but she was held still within the embrace of the Goddess of Winter. 

Once more, the cool tongue caressed her cheek as around her, the light began to fade. 

* * * 

Everyone had been exhausted by sitting up the night before, 
so Kaid's job was made easier for him. He 
needed to get a night watch routine established to give them all an anchor, something they could feel 
secure about and in control 
of in this alien environment. 

Rezac was almost fit again, his injuries from the beating having healed at a rate consistent with .using an 
accelerated drug like Fastheal. Even his broken ribs were paining him less. Jo was better too, but still 
tired and lethargic, although she'd made the effort to get up and join them during their afternoon. With 
fourteen of them able-bodied, watches through the night weren't a problem. 

A deck of cards had been included with their possessions. Now the watch had something legitimate to 
do to keep them alert when they weren't making the half-hourly patrols 
to each of the five sleeping 
rooms. Kaid had elected to do the last two hour stint along with Tallis and Sheeowl. 

He and T'Chebbi were sharing a room with Kate and Taynar. He'd decided to take the younglings in 
with them so they could keep an eye on them and make sure they were adapting to their loss of mental 
privacy and increased dependency on each other. He needn't have worried. They were as unconcerned 
as young jeggets when it came time to retire. Oh, they had their odd spats and rows during the day like 
any couple, but at night, matters between them were fine. One less worry, thank Vartra. 

Sleep didn't come easily for him, and when he finally drifted off, he found himself locked in a cycle of 
nightmares about being pursued remorselessly by shadows that, when he finally gained the courage and 
desperation to face them, proved only to be images of himself. 

The last dream was different. He lay entombed in darkness, 
floating weightlessly above the world. A 
feather-softness touched his cheek, but he couldn't turn his head to see what it was. It came again and 
this time he knew it was the gentle lick of a tongue. But it was cold, so cold it almost burned. 

Remember Winter's kiss. He heard the words whispered in his ear, then the gentle flick of the tongue as 
the darkness 
was shattered by the flare of a brilliant light shining directly into his eyes. Suddenly, he 
couldn't breathe. Chest heaving, he tried to fill his lungs with air as he gasped in pain, tears streaming 
down his cheeks. 

He jolted himself awake, shaking violently with fear or cold, he couldn't tell which. From the pod beside 
him, T'Chebbi reached out a comforting hand, running it across his damp pelt. Groggy and disoriented, 
he pulled her closer, taking comfort from her warmth against his chilled hide. Before he knew it, she had 
joined him under his blankets and was covering him with tiny bites. 

Within minutes, her skillful fingers and tongue had roused him to fever pitch, then kept him there for 
longer than he could bear. There was nothing subtle about their pairing, it was both wild and furtive, 
leaving him as exhausted 
as she'd planned. 


Someone was shaking him violently awake and, unusually for him, he responded sluggishly, unable to 
bring his eyes to focus on the face hanging over his. His left arm hurt and he'd a crick in his neck from 
peering up at the visitor. Trying to move, he became aware of T'Chebbi still lying partly under him. 

Someone was shaking him violently awake and, unusually for him, he responded sluggishly, unable to 
bring his eyes to focus on the face hanging over his. His left arm hurt and he'd a crick in his neck from 
peering up at the visitor. Trying to move, he became aware of T'Chebbi still lying partly under him. 

"Kate and Taynar are gone," said Jeran urgently. "It's taken me ages to wake you. You were both out 
cold." 
Kaid peered over toward the other pair of sleeping pods. He was right, they were empty. 
"Did either of you see or hear anything?" asked Manesh from her position by the door. 
Kaid ran his hands through his hair, pushing it back from his face. "Nothing. How long have they been 


gone?" 


Jeran shrugged as he sat back on his heels. "It's the twenty-third hour now. We came on at the twentieth 
and don't remember doing a patrol." 
"Everyone else is awake. You were the most difficult to rouse," said Manesh. 
"Figures," said T'Chebbi, sitting up and rubbing her shoulder. "You don't usually fall asleep on me like 


that. Gods, but you're heavy, Kaid." 


Jeran tried to cover his snort of amusement, Manesh didn't bother. "Rezac and Jo were alone when they 
were taken," she said. "Whatever was done to us, if anything, they must have done double to you two." 
"Makes sense," agreed T'Chebbi, wriggling herself free of Raid's legs in an effort to get up. 
Aware of his need for modesty in the presence of the U'Churian female, Kaid grabbed for the cover and 


wrapped himself in it before he scrambled to his feet and headed for the two empty beds. 


"Searched them already," said Manesh. "Nothing. The taibans are young and healthy. What reason had 
the Primes to take them? That's what's frightening everyone." 
"They're a Human and Sholan pair, like Rezac and Jo," said Jeran. "Mixed species. Who's going to be 


next? Giyesh and me?" 


"Stop talking like that," said T'Chebbi sharply as she joined Kaid. "You'll start a panic for no reason. 
Could be they're doing health checks on us all." 
"One hell of a way to get us to go to the doctor," he said with a shaky laugh. "Maybe we should tell them 


we've got several of our own here." 
Kaid lifted the bottom sheet, smelling it briefly before reaching for the one on the other bed. 
"Something?" asked T'Chebbi. 
He caught her eyes as he shook his head. "I don't smell any drugs, but they might have no odor I can 


detect now." He threw the sheet back on the bed and got up. "Give me a minute to get dressed," he said. 
Manesh and Jeran disappeared, closing the door behind them. 
"What did you scent?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper as he went back to his bed to get his 


clothes. 



"Later," he said. "We have the others to calm down first." 

"Later," he said. "We have the others to calm down first." 

"Sit down, Tallis," he said, fending him off as he walked farther into the room before perching on the 
padded arm of one of the couches. "I'm as much in the dark as anyone else, but we'll not achieve 
anything if we let ourselves panic." Their fear filled the room like a miasma. 

Tallis had followed him, tail tip lashing agitatedly from side to side beneath the hem of his robe. "I demand 
you…" 

"Shut up, Tallis!" roared Rezac, getting to his feet and glaring at the older male. "I'm sick to death of your 
whining 
and complaining!" 

"That's enough, Rezac," said Kaid mildly. "The brutal truth is we're captives and there's nothing we can 
do to stop these Primes from doing whatever they want with us. I suggest we all get used to that idea 
right now, then we can look at the more positive aspects of our situation." 

"Positive aspects?" exclaimed Tallis. "What positive aspects?" 

"T'Chebbi, escort Tallis to his room," said Kaid. "It's obvious no one else is going to get a chance to 
speak while he remains here." 

She got to her feet, ears flattening to the side as she looked Tallis' way. He backed off hurriedly toward 
one of the dining tables, grabbing a hard chair and lowering himself 
onto it. "I'll shut up," he muttered. 

Kaid gestured briefly to T'Chebbi, and, flicking her long plait over her shoulder, she resumed her seat. 

"Rezac and Jo were taken because they needed medical attention," Kaid continued. "They were returned 
unharmed. 
That's positive. However, that wasn't the case as far as we know with Kate and Taynar. 
Unless you know of any medical reasons, Mrowbay?" 

The U'Churian medic shook his head. "None. They were both healthy as far as my limited knowledge of 
your species could tell. Perhaps they're just curious as to why two obviously 
different species choose to 
be a couple." 

"Could be. Kate and Jo are also the only Humans among us. That, or the fact they're telepaths, could 
have been more of a deciding factor." 

"Maybe they just needed healthy specimen of each so they can treat Jo and Rezac more effectively," said 
T'Chebbi thoughtfully. "A benchmark." 

"Could be as simple as that," agreed Mrowbay. "Taking us when we're unconscious is a way of ensuring 
we can't escape or cause trouble." 

Kaid glanced at Mrowbay. "Good point." 

"Maybe they can't treat us wearing those suits," said Jo. "They're probably only three feet tall and as 
fragile as a twig! No contest against even us thin-skinned Humans." 

Nice one, Kaid sent to her as around him, a few smiles and chuckles broke out. 

"They could be isolation suits as well as armor," said Jeran. "We might be able to cross' infect each other 


with common illnesses. After all, we breathe the same kind of air and eat similar food." 

with common illnesses. After all, we breathe the same kind of air and eat similar food." 

"The captain's right." Kaid gestured round the lounge. "Just because the furnishings, gravity, food, and air 
are all compatible with life-forms like us doesn't mean that the Primes are even organic. We have no idea 
of the size of the vessel we're on, or even if we're on a vessel. We could have been kept sedated in the 
hold of the M'ijikk for days." 

"Don't say that. You're frightening me," said Zashou, clutching her arms across her chest. 

"We need to face our situation honestly if we're ever going to get out of here," said Jo. "I think it's unlikely 
they're constructs, but it is a possibility." 

"Just like the three foot tall twigs," grinned T'Chebbi. 

"As I said, none of us have yet been offered any physical violence," said Kaid. "And they're well capable 
of it. We saw their demonstration as we left the M'ijikk. Quite the opposite in fact. Rezac's and Jo's 
injuries were treated, they've kept us all together when they could have separated us—apart from the 
Cabbarans, that is. Let us control our heating and lighting, and our food." 

"And given us our own clothing and entertainments from the Profit" added Sheeowl. 

"We've no proof as yet that taking Kate and Taynar is an unfriendly act," pointed out Sayuk. 

"I'd call it downright unfriendly," growled Manesh. "No matter how comfortable a prison is, it's still a 
prison. Removing 
someone from their bed at night without permission is kidnapping." 

"We don't know enough to reach any real conclusions," said Tirak grimly. "What we need more than 
anything else is information." 

Kaid nodded. "Agreed. We need to keep studying the Primes and their guards. Watch how they move, 
their speech patterns, how they place themselves at the doorway when they come here. Most of us have 
military backgrounds, 
we know the drill. Look for their weak points, then we can start planning an 
escape." 

"And what do we civilians do?" asked Zashou. 

"You're a telepath. Keep probing at them, see if you can get through to their minds. If you can, find out 
anything at all," said Kaid. He glanced at Rezac. "Which reminds me, I need to speak to both of you 
about your psi abilities." 

"When?" 

"Now. I think we've covered about everything we can for the moment." He looked around the room 
again, making 
sure he made eye contact with each of them in turn. "There's still several hours of sleep 
left. I, for one, am going back to bed. I suggest you do the same. Sitting up all night won't do any good, 
it'll only wear us out." 

There was a general stirring and murmuring as people began to get up and wander off to their rooms. 

"We'd better include you, Jo," said Kaid as she began to rise. "You know what Rezac knows." 

As they made for the middle room, Kaid snagged T'Chebbi and drew her with him, tapping a message 


on her wrist with his fingers as he did, letting her know he needed her analytical skills. 

on her wrist with his fingers as he did, letting her know he needed her analytical skills. 

"Agreed," said Rezac quietly, resting his arms on his knees. 

"Why not use thought?" asked Jo, struggling with the new language which for her was still an acquired 
skill. 

"They've a damper field on outside this room," said Rezac before Kaid could answer. "They either know 
we're capable of telepathy and don't want us to read them, or they're telepathic themselves. Which- ties 
in with them taking 
Kate and Taynar because of their abilities." 

"I'm going to be next," said Zashou, a note of panic in her voice. "I just know I am!" 

"Anyone could be next, Zashou," said Kaid sternly, "or no one. The Primes might be able to monitor our 
mind talk, but they can't know this patois. It's archaic and only used by the Brothers in this form 
nowadays." 

"How did the Primes learn Sholan?" asked Jo. 

"From Valtegan databases. Must have had one, considering 
M'ijikk was M'ezozakk's own ship," said 
T'Chebbi. 

"In the interests of keeping this talk short, what do you want to know about our psi abilities?" asked 
Rezac. 

"What they are and how powerful. When we went back to the Margins, we saw Jaisa do things we'd 
never even considered possible. The nearest I've seen to that level of gift has been in unstable telepaths, 
and they usually ended up having to be terminated." 

Zashou looked at him, amber eyes widening in shock. "Terminated? You killed telepaths?" 

"It was what the law dictated," said Kaid. "When a tele-path with a wild Talent went out of control, they 
had to be contained. Up until recently, the Telepath Guild would request that the Brotherhood capture 
and terminate them. We couldn't allow someone who was mentally unbalanced and, for instance, had the 
ability to kill using the power of his mind, to roam free on Shola." 

"The Telepath Guild ordered the deaths of their own? What kind of world has Shola become?" Zashou 
looked from Kaid to T'Chebbi. "I don't want to be part of a society 
that lives like that!" 

"Shola's a good world, but as I said, that ruling's changed now. Those with wild Talents are still captured 
by us, but now we're free to recruit them if we can, and if we can't, they're contained and handed over to 
a tribunal to decide their fate. Some of our best people, and our few telepaths, were once mentally 
unstable because they couldn't control their Talents. We've always collected those who could fight yet 
still retained some of the psi gifts of the telepaths— gifts thought not worth including in the Guild's 
breeding program. We saved the lives we could, Zashou. But we were talking of your abilities, not ours." 


"So the current Telepath Guild recognizes only telepathic 
ability," said Rezac. 

"So the current Telepath Guild recognizes only telepathic 
ability," said Rezac. 

"Vartra was only working on enhancing telepathy," Rezac admitted, "but we all had several other abilities 
that were actually usable. We didn't look on them as separate skills, though. When we changed, it was 
more like all our senses expanded, some more than others. Vartra had us experiment, see what we could 
do, then got us to chart the results and compare them with data from the other resistance 
cells where 
telepaths were in hiding. I remember 

Jaisa was good at generating movement within objects, literally 
shaking them apart." 

"I saw her do that to an iron grille that blocked our way up through the storm drains into the temple on 
the plains," said Kaid. 

Rezac nodded. "That was one of her little tricks. We just approached every situation and looked at as 
many ways to solve it as possible. If we couldn't do it by conventional means, we used our minds." 

"How did you overcome the Valtegans and start the Cataclysm?" 
asked T'Chebbi. 

Kaid noticed Rezac glance at Zashou before answering. This was obviously something that had added to 
the rift between them. 

"Goran captured Valtegans for us to experiment on. It took some time, but eventually we learned how to 
read their minds. I found I could force a contact with them and make them do what I wanted. We could 
control them, operate 
their bodies for a short time. Useful if you wanted a guard at his post to turn aside 
and not notice you, or to open a gate for you. They have a Challenge system something 
like ours, so it 
was easy to subvert them, fill their minds with hate for their superiors till they turned on them." 

"It was contemptible," said Zashou, eyes flashing with anger. "They treated the captured Valtegans like 
animals!" 

She's empathic, too? Kaid sent to Rezac, using a tight channel only he'd receive. 

How'd you guess? Rezac sighed. uOnce we were taken by them to K'oish'ik, their home world, we used 
the same tactics to set up our rebellion. That involved working with the other captive species, persuading 
them to join our cause, and using them as the fighters since we were unable to fight ourselves. There were 
a few of us who could communicate 
over interplanetary distances. We formed the network 
to keep 
everyone in touch. When we were ready, we attacked simultaneously, Sholan telepaths and the alien 
slaves." 

"When you were brought out of stasis, you sent telepath-ically to us on Shola. Why couldn't you send for 
help from Jalna before the poisons in the soil affected you?" Kaid asked. 

"They were weak and ill for several days," said Jo. "They were lucky to have survived for so long, Kaid. 
And we had our orders. Wait for our contact to communicate with us in a month's time. When she didn't, 
we couldn't know that communication with anyone else was impossible because we were broadcasting 
on a wavelength no one else was listening to." 

"What about now?" he asked. "Surely with your enhanced 
talent you can get through this barrier." 

Rezac shook his head. "No way. I've tried other mental frequencies as well, but I just don't have the 


power." 
T'Chebbi stirred. "What about combining your talents, linking minds first, then trying?" 
"Zashou's mind is still silent. I can only hear Jo." 
"And that for only a few more weeks," murmured T'Chebbi. 
"Excuse me?" said Jo. "What do you mean by that?" 
"The cub," said Kaid. "It needs to develop separately from you and it can't if you're Linked with Rezac. 


Your Talent will fade by the twelfth to fourteenth week and not return till he's born. That's what 


happened to Vanna." 
"Can you tell me how long this pregnancy will last?" she asked, skin flushing pink with embarrassment. 
"None of us knows anything about Sholan childbirth." 


"I helped deliver Carrie's cub," Kaid said, trying to distance 
himself from the memories. Talking about 
her was difficult, brought his anguish to the surface. "She should have gone for twenty-four weeks as 
Vanna did, but time traveling accelerated her pregnancy." 


"I just remembered. Zashou affected the Valtegans' eggs," said Rezac suddenly, keeping his eyes on 
Kaid and steadfastly not looking at his mate. "Once they had gotten used to us, we were free to walk 
around certain areas of the palace. In the days before our attack, several times we made our way to the 
royal harem and hatchery. There's a trick we found to magnify our ability rather than just combine 
it. 
We'd use it so we had the power to affect their eggs and their females by making them sterile." 


"You could manipulate cells? Can you show me how to do it?" Kaid demanded as endless possibilities 
raced through his mind. 


"Rezac," said Zashou warningly. Suddenly they were all aware of her extreme displeasure. 
"It's a Leska thing," Rezac said doggedly, refusing to be silenced by her disapproval, either mental or 
verbal. "We had to be pairing to trigger it." 


"The gestalt! It has to be the gestalt," said Kaid. 
"Gestalt?" Rezac had obviously never heard the term before. 
"It's like a force that's beyond you, and it's triggered by strong emotions," Kaid explained. "It just 


suddenly snaps into being and floods through you. It's difficult to control, though, and we've not found a 
practical use for it." 
"Carrie's eyes changed first time," reminded T'Chebbi. "Cellular manipulation." 
"How do you know about it?" demanded Rezac. "You don't have a Leska." 
"We have a full three-way Link," said Kaid. He corrected 
himself quietly. "Had." 


A small silence that no one knew how to fill followed. 
"So theoretically, Jo, Zashou, and I together might be able to generate enough power to break through 
the barrier," 
said Rezac finally. "Do you know of a way to trigger this gestalt that doesn't involve 
mating?" he asked Kaid carefully. 



"Carrie did it once, but she collapsed immediately afterward. 
Her Talent and Link were new to her, 
though. They considered the gestalt too unstable to experiment with. I hope it is possible, because if so, 
it'd be one hell of a lot easier for you just to link minds in public when the Primes come to the door, 
rather than having to be off in another room waiting for a signal from one of us." 

"Carrie did it once, but she collapsed immediately afterward. 
Her Talent and Link were new to her, 
though. They considered the gestalt too unstable to experiment with. I hope it is possible, because if so, 
it'd be one hell of a lot easier for you just to link minds in public when the Primes come to the door, 
rather than having to be off in another room waiting for a signal from one of us." 

"I wouldn't go a bundle on it either," said Jo, eyeing Rezac warily. 

Diplomatically, Rezac said nothing. 

"Is a way round it," said T'Chebbi. "Include Kaid and you have four." 

Zashou got to her feet, tail lashing from side to side as she projected the full measure of her scorn and 
anger. "This conversation is finished," she said. 

"What's the problem?" T'Chebbi asked her, perplexed by her reaction. "This could free us all. You want 
to stay here?" 

Kaid got to his feet. "Leave it, TChebbi. The morals back in their times were very different from ours. 
Same applies to Jo. We modern Sholans are the odd ones out here." 

"You all had other lovers, not like this is first love. I don't see a problem," she grumbled as she rose. 
"Think about it," she said sternly to Zashou, before looking over to Jo. "We fight with weapons at hand. 
This could be a powerful weapon." 

They returned to their room, Kaid sealing the door behind 
them with relief. The last part of the 
conversation had gone in an unexpected direction and he was glad to escape from it. He didn't blame the 
two females because he didn't know if he'd be prepared to involve himself either. 

"At least it woke Zashou up mentally," said T'Chebbi. "Even I felt her!" 

"There is that," Kaid agreed. "And we know now how Carrie managed to change her eyes. Just think of 
the untapped 
potential in the gestalt, T'Chebbi!" 

"You got to control it first," she reminded him as she began to get undressed again. "Now tell me what 
you were smelling on the sheets." 

"Kate and Taynar were new Leskas on their way to Shola when they got kidnapped by the Valtegan on 
Keiss," he said, unbuckling his belt. "I don't think they had the special contraceptive implants available on 
Keiss then." 

"You think she's pregnant? Surely she'd have said something. 
Taynar would. He'd be so proud we'd 
never hear the end of it." 

"I recognized the scent, T'Chebbi. No one else would except Rezac or Kusac." He stopped, mind 
blanking for a moment. So much of his life had been bound up with them that he found it impossible to 
avoid mentioning them several 
times a day. It made coping with their loss almost impossible. 

"Taynar's young, too young to be aware if even a female Sholan was pregnant, let alone his Human 
Leska. Kate's certainly got the Talent to conceal it from him if she wanted to. Then again, she's young 
enough that she might not realize she was pregnant. Having discovered Human females with Sholan 
partners can conceive, the Primes will certainly be curious to find out if she has. It's the only other 
possible common factor." 


T'Chebbi stuffed her hand into her mouth to stop the mewl of horror escaping. "What are they keeping us 
for? As breeding animals?" 
"That's what worries me," he said, stripping off his tunic. "I assume you have an implant." 
"Yes, immediately after…" She faltered to a stop, looking 
away ffom him. 


"After what?" he asked a moment later. 
"Immediately after I knew I was genetically compatible," she said, concentrating on meticulously folding 
up her tunic. 


"That's not what you meant to say." He could feel his pulse begin to quicken as she mentally retreated 
from him. 


She moved away from him but he reached out to stop her. 
"You were pregnant, weren't you?" he said, his voice deathly quiet as he continued to hold her by the 
arm. 


"I didn't know we were compatible," she whispered, keeping her eyes away from his. 
"Why didn't you tell me?" 
"You were leaving for Stronghold." 
Relief flooded through him. The vision had been false. It had only shown the possibility, not the actuality 


of a cub. He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her and resting his chin on top of her head. "You 
should have told me. It was Vartra's damned genetic fix," he said. "I changed you as we paired. Is that 
why you didn't come to see me off?" 


"I couldn't. I was still deciding what to do. It was my problem, my choice, not yours. I knew you didn't 


want to share your cubs with anyone." 
"You should have told me," he repeated as she moved away from him. "Yes, it was your choice, but I'd 
have been with you if you'd wanted me there." 


"It was nothing, Kaid. I terminated two days later. Vanna was good to me, asked me no questions." 


"I wouldn't have let you be alone unless you wanted to be, that's all. It was my fault, not yours. If it 
happens again, you tell me." 
"It won't. Unless we choose it to," she said, placing her tunic on a drawer unit against the far wall. "I'm 


not Jaisa." 


He said nothing this time, ashamed that he was glad she'd chosen to terminate. "I know you're not Jaisa. 
We're Companions, with responsibilities for each other," he said quietly. 
"Yeah, well, let's leave it now. Is over. Wasn't what either 
of us wanted, even without a mission coming 


up." 


He had to respect her wishes. "We should try to sleep, T'Chebbi. There's no point in staying awake 
waiting for them to return Kate and Taynar. They won't be brought back tonight, I can guarantee that." 
She returned, climbing into her sleeping pod and pulling the cover up. She lay silent for a moment. "If 



Kate is pregnant, 
happened after Mrowbay examined her, otherwise he'd have said tonight. Can only be 
a very few weeks pregnant. 
Want me to ask Jo, see if Kate's spoken to her?" 

Kate is pregnant, 
happened after Mrowbay examined her, otherwise he'd have said tonight. Can only be 
a very few weeks pregnant. 
Want me to ask Jo, see if Kate's spoken to her?" 

She turned her head and grinned at him. "What for? Was what I wanted too. Least I know it wasn't me 
that caused you to fall asleep as it got interesting!" 

* * * 

Kezule had reason to be grateful for his excellent memory 
as he spread out the map he'd gotten just 
over a month ago from the swamp skimmer. The Sholan pilot had had detailed maps of his own territory, 
but only the most general 
ones of the southwest area for which he was heading. The God-King be 
praised that he'd had the foresight to call up the map on the aircar before he and the female had 
abandoned it. With the aid of the pilot's stylus, he'd been able to add in features he'd remembered from 
the comm map to this one. By his reckoning, he was about halfway to his goal. 

He'd kept close to the foothills where the ground was more even, traveling only at night to avoid capture. 
It was less risky than crossing the open plains, even though with his ability to control many of his 
autonomic body functions, he could present no more heat source than the average medium-sized 
scavenger. Though he lost time by keeping his temperature low and being less mobile, he saved it by not 
having to run for cover every time a vehicle passed overhead. 

From the air traffic he'd observed since leaving the forest, 
the search for him was still concentrated 
there. That meant his ploy with the remains of the skimmer and the pilot had worked and they'd assumed 
one of the sharp-toothed swamp reptiles had been responsible. 

He studied the map, comparing the distance he'd already traveled with that still remaining before he 
needed to leave the safety of the hills and head cross-country to the telepath town of Valsgarth. Another 
four days if he was lucky, six or seven if the rain continued, he thought, brushing stray droplets of water 
off the map. He'd need all his wits about him then to avoid being picked up by them. He could only pray 
his modifications to the telepath's wrist unit continued to blank his mental signature. 

The wind had changed direction and was blowing rain into the opening of his cave. Folding up the map, 
he stuffed it into a pocket and moved back from the opening. Cave! He hissed his derision. It was barely 
more than a crack in the rock face, but it afforded him cover from the day's light and the persistent 
drizzling rain. 

He could feel the stiffness in his joints as he hunkered down on his heels, wrapping his damp woolen robe 
more closely against his legs and feet. He was definitely getting too old to be out in the field, his Emperor 
had been right to retire him from the front line and give him an easier posting. A justified reward, He'd 
said. Maybe, but he hadn't liked it any better for that. Guardian to the hatchling princes wasn't what he'd 
looked for, though many another would have welcomed it. He sighed, wishing for darkness when he 
could move on and look for a larger hideout to shelter in till the rains stopped. He might even be able to 
light a fire, dry out his clothes, and rest in more comfort than this damp animal hole provided. 

His inner clock reminded him it was about time for one of the regular news items on the information net. 
He turned the wrist comm on, finding he'd missed the first couple of minutes. He listened to the same 
tedious round of stories. Spring flooding here, a shipping accident there, a robbery, a 
guildhouse—whatever that was—reopening after being partly demolished in a tribal war in the desert 
region, and the funerals of bodies found at an archaeological site on the Valsgarth estate. 


That caught his attention and he sat up, putting the comm unit to his ear to hear it better. 

That caught his attention and he sat up, putting the comm unit to his ear to hear it better. 

Kezule hissed in anger. Ashes! They had burned the corpses, not buried them decently in the ground! 
Worse, their final resting place would be at the bottom of some bay! Shola had been a backwater world 
fifteen hundred years ago, and it was no better now, no matter what technological 
advances had been 
made! 

So incensed was he that he almost missed the run through of the headlines as the program drew to a 
close. 

"Trade treaties have been signed with three member species 
of the Council of Free Traders at Jalna. 
These historic documents have brought two new species into the Alliance—
the U'Churians and the 
Cabbarans. The Jalnians join Terra as Associate members. The fourth species, the Te-Laxaud, have not 
yet been contacted, but it is hoped they will soon join the talks." 

He switched the unit off in disgust. So they'd formed an alliance with other species, had they? It wouldn't 
help them once he returned to the past. All this would be undone when he and his unit weathered out the 
Cataclysm in the mountains as he'd planned. But this time, he'd go back earlier, take all the eggs—keep 
his wife, too—and set up his own dynasty to rule this world till they could contact K'oish'ik again and 
reestablish the God-King's rule on Shola. 

Slowly it penetrated through his cold-fogged brain that if a treaty had been signed, those he hunted would 
soon be home. He wanted to be on their estate before they returned 
in order to spy out the land and 
find a safe hideaway. 
Then he could plan his kidnap of them. 

Once more, there had been no mention of his escape. Their authorities obviously intended to keep it 
secret. He allowed himself a sardonic smile. It wouldn't do to frighten the natives by letting them know 
that one of their ancient enemies, a more dangerous predator than any they'd met before, walked their 
world freely, would it? 

He began to shiver and turned his thoughts back to more mundane considerations. Time to deal with the 
chill seeping into his bones from the damp clothing and the even damper weather. Slowing his breathing, 
he settled down to wait for dusk, staring out through the unceasing curtain of rain at the hazy alien 
landscape beyond. 

CHAPTER 7 

T'CHEBBI roused Kaid some time later. "They're back," she said, keeping her voice low. "Kate and 
Taynar. They're sleeping now. Had to knock Kate out, went hysterical. Taynar was out cold anyway. I 
checked them over thoroughly. 
Tiny wounds where blood and tissue samples been taken—had to look 
real hard for them on Taynar because of his pelt—but nothing else I can find. If Kate was pregnant, 
she's not now. Checked for a contraceptive implant when no one looking, but was no sign she'd been 
given one." 


"How come I slept through all this?" 
"Found them in the central room, one we use for Leskas. Left them there." 
He scrubbed at his face with his hands before sitting up. He felt sticky and uncomfortable, needed a 


shower. He glanced at his wrist comm. Fifth hour. "You should have awakened me," he said, hauling 
himself up and searching for his tunic. 
"You needed the rest," said T'Chebbi with a shrug, handing it to him. "Only found them half an hour ago." 
"Anyone else know they're back?" 
"Yes, everyone. Mrowbay double-checked them." 
He pulled his tunic on, bending down to pick up his belt, then combed through his hair with his fingers. 
"How are the others taking it?" 


"Subdued," she said. 
Heads looked up from what they were doing as he entered. 
He could have sliced the underlying tension 
with a knife. Nodding, he made for the food dispenser set into the far wall. 


Tirak joined him. "Thank Kathan the Primes didn't keep them long," he said quietly. 


"It was long enough," said Kaid, punching in his choice of eggs and vegetables. "They're a mixed Leska 
pair, that worries me." 
"Perhaps they can tell us what the Primes wanted when they wake." 
"We can ask them," said Kaid, picking up his plate and pressing a pad for a drink. "Better, I'll get the 


information myself telepathically from Taynar. He's been trained to use his talent, Kate hasn't yet. That 
way I can experience what he did." 


Tirak narrowed his eyes. "Why didn't you do that with Rezac and Jo?" 
"They're sick, Taynar and Kate aren't," he said shortly. He hadn't wanted to get that close to his father's 
mind, but he couldn't tell Tirak that. 


"Get Zashou to tell you, then. If I understand your family 
groupings, she's a wife of his too, and a 


telepath." 
"I can now she's mentally up and running again," he agreed, picking up the glass and moving aside for the 
captain. 


After he'd eaten, he took Zashou aside as Tirak had suggested and asked her what she'd picked up from 


Jo and Rezac of the night they went missing. 
"Nothing," she said. "They've no memory of it that I'm aware of." She fixed him with a hard look. "They 
have their privacy, Kaid. I don't infringe on it. Frankly, I don't want to. I'm glad he's found someone to 
divert his passion away from me." 


"You're being too hard on him, Zashou. Ease up a little. You're as difficult for him to live with as he is for 
you." 



Her amber eyes regarded him thoughtfully. "Why do you always want a reason to excuse him?" 

Her amber eyes regarded him thoughtfully. "Why do you always want a reason to excuse him?" 

"There's a mystery between you two, Kaid, and I'll solve it, believe me. He finds the need to keep 
defending you. I think we've all enough jeggets in our barn without you two starting an affair." 

He'd not risen to her obvious bait. "If they remember anything, ask them to tell me, please." 

When Kate and Taynar came round, he and T'Chebbi were there to reassure them. Kaid wished they 
had their medikit because Kate could have done with some kind of sedative. Remembering what Rezac 
had done with Tesha, he tried the same with Kate, gently linking to her mind and trying to calm her panic. 
It wasn't as easy as he'd thought and made Kate somewhat drowsy, but at least she was better 
able to 
cope, and so was Taynar. 

With Taynar's permission, he linked to him and relived their experience. The memories were confusing, 
fragments of images and sensory input. It would take a lot of teasing through to make sense of them, and 
though he knew the skills, he lacked any experience using them. He'd have to do it the Brotherhood way. 

He asked for the small table to be left empty so he could work. At first he thought he was having 
difficulty focusing on Taynar's memories, then he realized that this wasn't so. There was something else 
happening. Other images were intruding, trying to dominate his mind. He began reciting the litanies one 
after the other, using them to block these thoughts that were not his or Kate and Taynar's, but they were 
strong, and determined to dominate him. 

The lights overhead had been so bright, their glare bleaching out every detail of the surroundings. 

With an effort, he pushed his thoughts back to the words he was quietly reciting. 

A sudden bright flash, accompanied by a pulsing sensation 
filled his mind. It was so clear, so real. 
Shocked, he jerked upright in his chair, looking round the room for its source. It came again: the flare of 
light, the pulse. Then again. He gasped for air, suddenly finding it almost impossible 
to breathe. Roaring 
filled his ears as the pulse throbbed once, twice, three times more. Pain lanced through his side, 
paralyzing him with its severity. Against his chest, the crystal 
he never removed flared so hot it seared 
him. 

His body rigid with agony, he began to slide from the chair. All he could hear was the quickening beat of 
a heart, all he could see were the helmets of the Primes watching him as he struggled for every breath. 

A strangled mewl escaped him as he and the chair hit the floor with a crash. He felt himself being lifted 
and carried, 
unable to tell which was his reality as he continued to fight for each breath. This is what 
death's like, he thought as his body suddenly relaxed and the vision faded. 

The relief was short-lived, and fresh pain coursed through him. Doubling up, he clutched at his side and 
abdomen, 
keening his agony, taking his breaths when he could. Never had he experienced pain like this, 
not in Fyak's lair, nor in Ghezu's prison. 

Faces and voices came and went but they meant nothing as the unremitting pain tore through him. After 
what felt like an eternity, it began to ease. He lay there panting, poised for the next wave, but it never 
came. Lassitude spread through him and he realized he'd finally been given a powerful analgesic. 

When he came round, T'Chebbi's scent enveloped him. Gradually he realized he was lying on his side 
with his head cradled in her lap. The crystal lay against his arm. It was no longer even warm. 


"They brought our medikit," she was telling him. "I gave you a shot. What happened?" 

"They brought our medikit," she was telling him. "I gave you a shot. What happened?" 

"You sure you're all right? Could find nothing wrong with you but I've never seen anyone in such pain." 

He could hear the fear and concern in her voice, feel it in her mind. He wrapped his free hand around 
hers and gently squeezed. "Sure." 

* * * 

Yesterday had been a strange day for J'koshuk. He'd continued to be assigned members of his crew to 
question, and the sessions had been routine. One look at the four Prime guards in the questioning room, 
and the sight of him, was enough for most of them. Everything had come spilling out, more than the 
Primes wanted, but less information than they needed. He'd been bored by it all as he enjoyed having to 
pry information from unwilling captives. The gossip 
value of what he was hearing, however, finally 
piqued his interest and he began to try developing more subtle methods of persuading them to talk than 
the threat of personal 
violence. He found this was also a heady experience, though not quite as 
pleasurable. 

But yesterday, he'd been suddenly stopped and returned to his quarters for the night. In the corridor, he'd 
passed a group of three guards heading for the Sholans' quarters. Today they wanted him to see the 
Cabbarans. They were having problems with them. They refused to eat or some such thing. 

"You will interface with the Cabbarans," the Prime seated at the desk was telling him. "Discover why they 
refuse to cooperate with us. For the last three days they do not eat, do not talk. They fail to thrive. This is 
unacceptable. 
You will find out why and arrange a solution." 

"They're only creatures, not even lesser beings," said J'koshuk. "Why bother with them? Let them die, 
they're of no value." 

Almost before he'd finished talking, pain lanced down his spine, felling him to the floor. He screamed and 
writhed there for several long seconds before it stopped. The relief was instant and, shaking, he got to his 
feet. Resentment boiled inside him. Who were they to treat a priest of the God-King like this? When he 
got his chance… He schooled his expression to blankness as he faced the Prime again. 

"You have no value to us if you do not obey. Go to the Cabbarans and deal with the situation as you 
have been ordered." 

"Yes, Seniormost," he said quietly, inclining his head. 

The Cabbaran accommodation had obviously not been living quarters. It was a large room, empty apart 
from a screen which had been erected across one corner, and the mandatory floor level sleeping units. At 
first, he couldn't see them, but as he ventured farther into the room, he saw they were in the beds. A long, 
pointed head lifted itself from the depths of the nearest bed. Large forward-facing eyes regarded him 
balefully as the pointed ears were rotated, 
openings facing him. 

J'koshuk stopped. He hadn't had the opportunity to look at them closely when they'd been herded onto 
the M'ijikk. The head was topped by a crest of hair that disappeared down the creature's back. As it 
raised itself higher on its front legs—arms, he didn't know or care which—he could see the brightly 
colored tattoos on cheek and shoulder. 


"Send messenger now? No good. Take away. Where our crew? Want join them. We are Free Traders. 


Have rights if captive!" 
J'koshuk was taken aback at the speech. If he'd thought about it, he'd have realized they could obviously 
communicate, 
but to hear words, albeit translated by a machine like the Primes used, issuing from the 
mouths of what appeared to be creatures, shocked him. 


"Impossible," he said, playing it safe. "The Primes demand 
to know why you refuse to eat." 


"Take us to our crew, then we eat. If not, die. Is simple. No more talk." He put his head down on the 
edge of the bed and closed his eyes 
"You start eating, then we talk," said J'koshuk, folding his hands in the sleeves of his robe. 
The minutes ticked by as he waited for the Cabbaran to reply. It was obvious he had no intention of 


doing so. J'koshuk sighed. Negotiation was not his strong point, not his caste's calling. Force would get 
him nowhere in this situation as they were obviously quite prepared to die rather than cooperate. Or were 
they? 


He turned to one of the guards. "I wish you to pretend to kill one of them," he said in a voice so low he 
hoped the Prime could still hear him. 


There was no response, no movement, nothing from the black-suited being that towered over him. 
Praying to the spirits of all the God-Kings since the dawn of time, he stalked over to the sleeping units, 
crimson robes billowing out behind him in what he hoped was an intimidating 
manner. He stopped 
beside the bed next to the one who'd spoken, and pointed down at the inhabitant. 


"Take him," he said to the guard. 


As the Prime moved forward, the only sound was that of his footfalls as he drew closer to the 
Cabbarans. 
The speaker cracked open an eyelid, J'koshuk noticed. 
Bending down, the guard's hand scooped up the Cab-baran, holding him by the loose flesh at the back of 


his neck. He squealed once, then hung limply in the guard's grasp, eyes dull, obviously waiting for his end. 
"You will eat or this one dies," said J'koshuk. 
"He can eat if he wants. I do not," replied the speaker, shutting his eye again. 
J'koshuk swung round to glare at the one the guard held. "Are you going to eat now?" he demanded. 
"Not eat," said the voice from the translator. 
"Kill it," said J'koshuk. 
The guard released his rifle to pull a pistol from the side of his belt. Putting it to the middle of the 


Cabbaran's back, he activated it. The Cabbaran stiffened, then went limp again in his grasp. The Prime 
threw him to the floor, and J'koshuk prayed he wasn't really dead. 
"And the next one," he said. 
The guard took a couple of steps and reached for the next Cabbaran. The speaker remained motionless, 



not even opening an eye this time. 


"Do I have to order the death of another before you'll agree to eat?" demanded J'koshuk, reaching down 
to pull one of the speaker's ears. 
"Choose your own path," the translator said. "We chose ours. You cannot force us." 
Furious, J'koshuk let it go and signaled the guard to drop the Cabbaran unharmed. Now what? "If I take 


you to see your crew, will you eat?" he asked desperately, aware that he'd lost any chance of having the 
upper hand by saying this. 
"All of us go, and we stay there, not in this medical room." 


J'koshuk heard the door opening and looked round to see a Seniormost enter. 
"Take them," he ordered. "New quarters will be prepared 
adjacent to your crew. You will eat, or you 
will die." 


The speaker pushed himself up on his forearms again. "Can't walk. Too weak," his translator said. 
"Carry them," ordered the Seniormost, leaving. 
Two more guards moved forward to pick up a Cabbaran each. They turned to face J'koshuk. It was 


obvious they were waiting for him. 
Hissing quietly with anger, he bent down to pick the speaker up. He staggered slightly under the weight, 
nostrils shrinking at the smell. The indignity of being forced to carry a lesser creature was greater than that 
of having pain inflicted on his person! Stiff with rage, he followed the lead guard into the corridor. They 


only had a few yards to walk, the Cabbarans had been in the block next to the others from the Profit, 
separated only by a corridor. 
Kaid had just awakened as the door opened to admit the strange cavalcade of guards and supine 


Cabbarans. The U'Churians sprang instantly to their feet when they saw their crewmates. 


J'koshuk pushed to the front. "Where do you want them put?" he hissed, not bothering to conceal his 
anger and contempt for beings who tolerated four-legged creatures among their crew. 
Kaid began to sit up but Tirak's hand was on his shoulder, 
holding him still. "In the bedroom to your 


left," the captain said. 


They waited where they were, covered by one guard as the first and J'koshuk deposited their live 
burdens in the room. Once they'd returned, the other two went. 
J'koshuk, mindful of his orders, stopped long enough to snarl at them, "See they eat. They've refused 


food for three days." Then he was gone. 


"Mrowbay, see to them," ordered Tirak. "Sheeowl, get water. Giyesh, find something on the menu they 
can eat." He looked down at Kaid. 
Before he could speak, Kaid called T'Chebbi over. "Help them all you can," he said. 
Nodding briefly, she followed the others. 
Tirak sat down on the arm of the couch beside him. The haunted look had gone from around his eyes. 


"We've a chance now," he said quietly. "I knew they'd do this, it's what I was waiting for." 



Kaid was lost. The drugs were still in his system and he wasn't exactly capable of thinking coherently yet. 
"Cabbaran navigators are indentured to their crew." 
Tirak explained. "We have a contractual obligation to each other. They are part of our Family." He saw 


Kaid's confusion. 
"It's the way they work their contracts. Just take my word for it," he added. "We need 


them as navigators if we're to escape." 
"T'Chebbi and I doctored the Nav systems on the Profit," Kaid said. "We can get us to a safe place with 
what we hid before wiping the logs." 


Tirak's ears flicked briefly. "You were busy while I was out cold." 


"There was work to do," replied Kaid, meeting his gaze. "The integrity of your ship to protect. We 
helped Sheeowl." 
"I know you did. Where are you planning to go if we get out of here?" 
"It's your ship, Tirak. But I know a safe place where we can defend ourselves if necessary. At an outpost 


remote from our home world, and yours." 
Tirak nodded. "How far?" 
"Where's here?" shrugged Kaid. "Two jumps from where we were. With your navigators, a week?" 
"Less, if pushed, and we would be. Say three days, but it's dangerous." 
"We send a message as we jump, hope they follow us not it. At least we die trying. Anything's better than 


this." 
"Agreed. Your outpost, our navigators." He stopped to look up as Sheeowl approached them. 
"Mrowbay says they'll be fine. Annuur made sure they all drank enough. Says he wants to talk to you." 
"Excuse me," said Tirak, getting up. 
Jo ambled over and sat down beside him. "I've just been doing some calculations," she said quietly. "You 


tell me how Kate has avoided getting pregnant in the fourteen and some weeks she's been off Keiss. I 
didn't last that long and I had an implant." 
"Lucky?" 
She looked across at him. "No one gets that lucky, Kaid." 
"Sterile? Or he is." 
"Yeah? What's the odds on that?" 
"Unlikely," he admitted. "Have you any reason for asking?" 
"Not without worrying Kate." 
"Where's the medikit?" 
"In your room. Why?" 



"Do you know if there was a miniscan in it? Did T'Chebbi use one on me?" 
"Yes, she did. Would that tell us what we need to know?" 
"Don't know. It's set for field missions, not domestic." 
"Except a mission with Leskas in it involves domestic issues," said Jo. 
He flicked an ear in assent. "Try it if you get the chance without arousing her suspicions. Make sure you 


do it covertly. 
We're being monitored. I want to keep that unit." 
She nodded. "How are you, by the way? You had us all very worried for a while." 
"I'm fine now," he said, leaning back against the couch arm. "Groggy, but fine." 
"What was it?" 
"Don't know. Maybe a trapped nerve or something." 
She gave him a long look. "The disappearances are only happening to us, not the U'Churians." 
"I know. We're working on it. Trust me." 
She nodded slowly and reached out to touch his blanket-covered leg. "I do. You take care." She got up 


and ambled out of the room. 


* * * 

Commander Lyaka of the Alliance vessel Rhijissoh, stood waiting in the main docking bay for the arrival 

of the shuttle from the U'Churian vessel Vranshan. 
"Ten days from Home to here is pretty good time, Commander," 
remarked his assistant, Jiosha. "We 
can't match that. Takes us three weeks in military craft." 


Lyaka grunted as he watched the field that covered the bay entrance begin to change color for the 
approaching shuttle. 


"Only the private barques can go faster…" 
"Stop rambling, Jiosha," he growled impatiently. "I want you scanning those U'Churians from the moment 
they arrive, 
not making pointless noises to me!" 


"I'm already doing that, Commander," she said quietly, clasping her hands across the front of her purple 
telepath's robe. "There was a point to what I was saying. Their Captain 
Thaylan is wondering about the 
Rhijissoh's capabilities. He's aware our vessels are somewhat slower." 


"Who's with him on the shuttle?" 


"I'm aware of seven people, Commander. Three of them are, I presume, Cabbarans." 


"Anything more you can tell me?" 


She turned an impassive brown-eyed gaze on him. "I will need to spend some time in their company 


before I can do more than pick up the most basic of thoughts, Commander." 
"Your Guild told me you were the best at working with alien minds." 



"I am one of the best, but these are two new species," she said stiffly. "I will have to learn how they think. 
Then, Commander, I can sit at the edges of their minds and just absorb their stray, surface thoughts. I 
don't think you appreciate 
the amount of work that is involved." 

"I am one of the best, but these are two new species," she said stiffly. "I will have to learn how they think. 
Then, Commander, I can sit at the edges of their minds and just absorb their stray, surface thoughts. I 
don't think you appreciate 
the amount of work that is involved." 

"Then use their ships, Commander." 

"Not practical. We need the instant communications they lack." 

"You need their speed, and their navigators, from what I understand. And for that, you need their ships, 
too." 

He growled softly. "Who briefed you?" he demanded. 

She turned an innocent look on him this ,time. "Why, you did, Commander." 

"I told you nothing of…" He stopped, eye ridges meeting 
as he scowled at the small dark-furred 
telepath. "You read me!" 

"I cannot be responsible for what you're thinking in my presence, Commander. It does seem to me that a 
combination 
including their ships and our comm equipment would be best. I suggest you make that your 
first trade offer—in return for information concerning the Cabbaran navigation 
system." 

Lyaka turned his attention back to the approaching shut-tie as it penetrated the Rhijissoh's barrier. "You 
would do well to concentrate on your own duties, Jiosha. Make sure our guests aren't planning anything 
that would compromise our security." He'd never come across a telepath quite so ready to voice her own 
recommendations. In his experience, 
and he'd worked with a good many, an opinion had to be forced 
out of them. 

"As you wish, Commander. May I remind you that I will also be protecting the interests of the U'Churian 
and Cabbaran people against similar infringements of their security? 
The Telepath Guild does not involve 
itself in any kind of espionage work." 

"I'm aware that telepaths are neutral, Jiosha," said Lyaka, watching the shuttle maneuver to its designated 
landing area. "Khyno, Vaszha, go and greet our visitors, if you please." 

Lieutenant Khyno, sub-Lieutenant Vaszha at her side, both resplendent in formal dress uniform, 
proceeded to approach 
the craft, stopping only a few meters from the hatch. 

"You will attach yourself to our visitors as their liaison," Lyaka said to Jiosha. "Escort them to their 
quarters after our initial discussions, take them to the senior lounge set aside for them and their diplomatic 
party to dine in, and show them around the permitted areas of the Rhijissoh should they ask for a tour. I 
presume you've acquainted yourself with these areas?" 

"Yes, Commander," she murmured. "Do I accompany them on their search, too?" 

"That is your primary function. We will each be using our own craft," he said, turning to glance at her 
once more. "However, as you surmised," the word was said with heavy sarcasm, "there will, indeed, be 
one joint craft. You will be on it." 


The hatch was opening now, and the first of the U'Churian 
military delegation was stepping out, closely 
followed by his two companions. Despite the fact he'd seen the images 
recorded by the Hkariyash, the 
similarity between them and his own people astonished Lyaka. 

The hatch was opening now, and the first of the U'Churian 
military delegation was stepping out, closely 
followed by his two companions. Despite the fact he'd seen the images 
recorded by the Hkariyash, the 
similarity between them and his own people astonished Lyaka. 

"You'd think we came from the same stock, wouldn't you?" said Jiosha quietly. "But notice, their legs are 
straight, and their mouth and nose slightly more pronounced 
than ours." 

Lyaka narrowed his eyes a little to see better. At this distance, and with their longer black pelts, it was 
difficult to see the details clearly. "Enough like us to be distant cousins," he murmured, seeing what she 
was talking about as the party moved away from the ramp to allow the quadrupedal 
Cabbarans to 
emerge. Briefly he wondered if they were the navigators. 

"This group aren't a navigation unit," said Jiosha abruptly. "Navigators travel in septs of four. The 
agreements between them and the U'Churians makes them effectively Family members." 

"Family?" 

"The species data sent by the Vranshan an hour ago said that each profession has six or so leading 
Families and all members of that profession belong to one of them. The Cabbarans become quite literally 
Family members of the ship on which they work," she said. "Your aide likely didn't have the opportunity 
to brief you, Commander, since you were greeting the Ambassadors when the information arrived." 

Lyaka didn't have the time to reply as the small party drew closer. He was continuing to be impressed 
with her efficiency, however. Normally telepaths weren't interested enough in work of a military nature to 
be as fully up to date as Jiosha obviously was. 

Khyno stopped and indicated the leading U'Churian. "This is Captain Thaylan, Commander Lyaka. And 
Lieutenants 
Rryal and Hannak," she said, indicating them in turn. "This is Cheerow, Mimkee, and 
Duchurr, the Cabar-ran military delegates." 

"Captain Thaylan, welcome to the Rhijissoh," said Lyaka, bowing his head in greeting. This is Jiosha 
Dzahai, who will be helping you during your stay with us." 

As he spoke, the three Cabbarans rose up to a sitting position, leaning forward to sniff audibly at the 
commander and the telepath with their long, mobile snouts. 

The translator device on the lead Cabbaran's belt burst into life. "Commander's telepath. How follow 
thoughts alien to you?" 

Lyaka caught Jiosha's startled expression, then saw her mouth open in a slight smile. 

"With difficulty, Delegate, and not without help from yourselves." 

"All tele-paths wear this color?" asked Captain Thaylan, touching Jiosha's robe. His voice was a deep 
rumble, the Sholan, though understandable, not quite correctly pronounced. 

"By law they must," said Lyaka. "It is an offense to read a sentient's thoughts without their permission, 
therefore telepaths must advertise their profession at all times." 

"Mental privacy is highly valued, Captain Thaylan," said Jiosha, inclining her head toward him. 


"Report from Captain Tirak said this," he nodded. "Good knowing he was given the truth." 

"Report from Captain Tirak said this," he nodded. "Good knowing he was given the truth." 

"Sent to us by Profit when interim treaty signed." 

Lyaka waited a moment for the Cabbarans to resume their normal walking stance before leading the way 
out of the landing bay. 

"If you wish, Captain, I can increase your knowledge of our language," said Jiosha as she fell into step on 
the large U'Churian's other side. "We call it a skill transfer. It would also help me to understand your own 
language. I match my mind with yours and send you the understanding of Sholan." 

The slightly smaller officer behind him spoke rapidly to her captain in their own language. 

"Tirak said ask for this," Thaylan nodded. "What news have you?" 

"Of the Profit?" asked Lyaka, stepping into the corridor and waiting for his guests. "Not good, I'm 
afraid. We found some debris only a few hours ago. I'm having it brought in for you to inspect. However, 
there wasn't enough to account 
for the whole ship. There's a possibility that she's still sound enough to 
have continued her journey. The damage 
could be due to meteoric impact and account for her lack of 
communication." 

"Four ships already dis-patched during jump to search route," Thaylan said. "Look for fuel traces, see if 
Profit dropped out." 

"You launched craft during jump?" 

Thaylan's mouth widened in a Human style grin. "You cannot? We not so be-hind you as you think!" 

Lyaka glanced at Jiosha, wondering how the U'Churian had known their rating of their tech level. She 
arched an eye ridge in surprise at him. It seemed this Captain Tirak was quite astute. 

Thaylan put a large pawlike hand on his shoulder, grinning 
almost from ear to ear. "Your Jiosha give us 
Sholan language. We pre-pared. Tirak warn us. Got drugs for headache. Then we talk trade. Want 
co-munication in jump from you. Maybe give you help on hull con-struction. Need it before nav-i-gation, 
yes?" 

Yes, thought Lyaka, this Tirak has briefed Thaylan well— too well! 

* * * 

Day 12 

"So you're Vanna's Human," said Noni, eyeing the young man up and down. "At least she got a decent 

sized one, not like Tallinu." 
Started pale blue eyes peered out from under shoulder length, wavy brown hair. They flicked across 
Noni's face, assessing her even as she assessed him. 


"Could almost be Sholan with all that hair over your face. What you call it?" she demanded. 
"A beard and mustache," he said, grinning. He liked her immediately. 


"So I'm an irascible old crone, am I?" she asked, much to his dismay. "We'll have less of the old, if you 
please. "Teusi!" 

"So I'm an irascible old crone, am I?" she asked, much to his dismay. "We'll have less of the old, if you 
please. "Teusi!" 

"Take the aircar then, and not the store, go to the inn. We might be a while. You, sit," she said, pointing a 
claw at Brynne. "I don't suppose…" 

He grinned again and reached into his robe pocket, pulling 
out a bag of ground coffee. "I was told you 
liked this. This one's from Earth." 

She nodded her thanks as she took it from him and began reading the packaging. "Damned outlandish 
script! Why don't they write it in a civilized language like Sholan." she grumbled. 

"Look at the back," Brynne said. "Way down near the bottom. It's one of the coffees exported 
specifically for Shola." 

She glanced across the table at him from under lowered eye ridges. "So it is. Thank you for your 
consideration, Brynne Stevens. It'll be interesting to taste the difference between this and the kind I 
usually get." 

Brynne shrugged, hearing the door behind him close as the other two males went out. "I take it Teusi 
goes out to the store a lot." 

"Depends on who's visiting. He's my apprentice, some things he's not ready to know yet. Jurrel said you 
wanted to talk about visions and dreams you think you've been having. Said Dhaika sent you off with a 
cuff round the ears about a week ago, telling you not to bother him or Father Lijou again with such 
rubbish. What makes you think you got anything worth me hearing?" 

"The fact I'm sitting here talking to you," he said, watching 
her lift a jug of coffee and start pouring it into 
the first of the two mugs. 

"Don't do yourself any favors, boy, I'm just curious." She handed him a mug then poured her own drink, 
leaving him to add what sweetener and whitener he wished from the pots on the table. "Yes, you can light 
one of your smoking 
sticks. Use the dish beside you for the ash. I've a fancy to see this strange Human 
habit for myself." 

Floored, he was left with nothing to say as he reached for the shallow pottery dish at his side of the table. 

"What else do you know about me?" he asked, fishing his tobacco tin and lighter out of his pocket. 

"You don't really expect me to answer that, now, do you?" She took a sip from her mug. "So you were 
the pupil of the Derwent person that ran off from Valsgarth. The fake mystic who tried to teach our 
younglings that religion and telepathy went together, and our world is a male entity—Vartra in fact." She 
snorted loudly in derision. "He's a typical Terran patriarch from what I hear. No wonder 
he disliked 
Shola! We're a matriarchal world, we just let our males think otherwise." 

Brynne choked on his coffee. 

"You don't believe me? Who d'you think runs the Clans, my lad?" she asked, raising an eye ridge. "That's 
where our roots are. All the rest is commerce. Let the males play with it, we got enough females there to 
keep 'em on track, too." 


"But many senior positions are held by males." 

"But many senior positions are held by males." 

He looked disbelievingly at her. "Stronghold." He opened his tin and began rolling a cigarette. 

"Kha'Qwa has a rather different kind of mate," she said thoughtfully. "That Lijou, he's more like us. 
Tallinu was the one I had hopes for, but his path lay elsewhere. Teusi, now, he's a good apprentice. He'll 
do well if he sticks it out with me. Maybe you're one of the different ones, too. Being Talented helps. 
Gives you an appreciation of your female side. But then, we Sholans are more balanced than you 
Humans when it comes to that. Once the males get past thirty, they settle down some. They're mostly 
past the drives to sire a family on the first pretty female they meet. You Human males never seem to get 
past it." 

"How many Humans have you met, Noni?" he asked, putting his cigarette to his lips and flicking open his 
lighter. "I heard I'm only the second." He inhaled deeply, waiting for her answer. 

Her brown eyes twinkled at him over the top of her mug. "I don't have to leave here to meet Humans, 
lad. Nor do they need to come here to visit me." 

He frowned. What on earth was she talking about? How could she meet people without actually meeting 
them? Did she mean she talked to them on the comm? And he was like Tallinu and Teusi? He shook his 
head, confused. He couldn't make sense of what she was saying. 

Noni's mouth opened in a gentle smile as she continued to sip her coffee. He had potential, right enough. 
She could use him, but not yet. When he was ready, he'd hear what she was saying clear enough. 

"In all Derwent's mishmash of ideas, he did get one or two things right," she said. "At least you got 
through the barriers he put up about your Sholan side, lad, or you wouldn't be here. Now, tell me about 
those dreams of yours." 

When he'd left, Noni called the Temple of Ghyakulla in Ghyasha. 

"Rhuna, what can I do for you?" the Head Priestess asked. 

"Looking tired, Tokui," Noni said, noticing the lowered eye ridges and darker green of the Sister's eyes. 

"Setting up these colleges for our priesthood is hard work, Noni. No one is getting enough sleep these 
days. Almost overnight I'm expected to train up some twenty senior acolytes to the standard of priests 
and priestesses to cope with it. If they were Talented, it would be so much easier." 

"Everyone's in the same den, Tokui. I sympathize with you, believe me." 

Sister Tokui reached up to tuck a wayward lock of golden-flecked, brown hair behind her ear. "You 
didn't contact me to offer sympathy, Noni. I really am busy. Please make your point." 

"We need to meet tonight," she said. "At the temple. You contact the other Guardians." 

"Tonight?" Tokui's ears dropped in surprise before hurriedly 
righting themselves. "What's so important 
that we have to meet tonight?" 

"That's what the meeting's about," said Noni. 

"Noni, be reasonable! We all need more notice than this! I've got meetings scheduled…" 


"Then cancel them or send a deputy," interrupted Noni. "Seventeenth hour, usual place." 

"Then cancel them or send a deputy," interrupted Noni. "Seventeenth hour, usual place." 

"Just have," she said with satisfaction and cut her comm connection. 

Ghyasha was the town midway between the Kysubi and Lyarto Plains, the heartland of Shola's 
grainfields and almost 
the center of the Kaeshala continent. It was the perfect 
place for the Green 
Goddess cult's main temple, though that was disputed by the one in the Ferraki Hills, it being the older of 
the two. As with other Sholan towns and cities, Ghyasha existed to support the temple and the acolytes 
who lived and worked there. It was the place where mothers took their cubs to be blessed as newborns, 
where farmers went for help with their herds when all else had failed, and the center for the old folk 
remedies that the Guild of Medics frowned on. More, it was the core religious support for the majority of 
Sholan females of all ages. And it was where the Guardians met. 

Teusi accompanied Noni into the antechamber of the meeting room before leaving her to join the other 
aides in the refectory. As she entered the chamber, she scanned the seats, spotting Lijou instantly. 
Hobbling over to his side of the semicircle of chairs, she glared pointedly at the male sitting next to him. 

Rhio sighed and got to his feet. "Speak to you later, Lijou," he said, moving over to an empty seat at the 
other end. 

Lijou stood, offering his arm to her. She accepted his help, even though she didn't need it, and sat down. 
Didn't do any harm for them to think she was more frail than she actually was. Gave her another edge 
over them. 

"Noni, what the devil was so important you had to drag us all out on such short notice?" demanded 
Keaal, tapping her foot impatiently on the floor. 

"Don't you try to rile me before the meeting's begun, Keaal, because you won't," she said. "Who're we 
waiting for?" 

"Tulla," said Lijou. "Storm over the desert delayed her. She's coming in to land now." 

Noni gave him an appraising glance. "You're pretty good, not many can send and receive that far. But 
then, you should be. If I remember right, weren't you the second choice for Clan Lord?" 

He smiled gently. "You know I was, just as you knew where Tulla is," he replied equally quietly. 

"How's that lifemate of yours doing?" she asked, changing 
the subject. "When's your cub due?" 

"Less than seven weeks now," he said. "Kha'Qwa's going to ask you to be the birther. She's determined 
to have our cub at Stronghold rather than in the hospital." 

"I intended to be there anyway," she said. "I'll come see her tomorrow to organize things well in advance. 
How's the nursery going? Finished it yet?" 

Lijou's ears flicked back in embarrassment. "Not yet. Kha'Qwa keeps nagging me to take her to Shanagi 
to choose furniture and things, but I'm not so sure. I'm afraid it's tempting fate." 

Noni looked sharply at him, a look he thankfully missed. "Don't you go taking her anywhere, Master 
Lijou," she said, poking him gently in the ribs with her index finger. "She's too far on to go traipsing out to 
Shanagi. You get those merchants to come out to you! They'll jump at the chance, believe me. Get to see 
inside the most secret place on Kaeshala, if not Shola itself? You'll have to fight 'em off!" 


Lijou laughed. "A good reason to keep them away, Noni. Rhyaz would have my hide if he could hear 


you!" 
"That's as may be. It isn't his mate that's having a cub. All you do is get the stores to use the comm link to 
show you round their place so Kha'Qwa can choose. Then you send someone out to fetch the crib and 
whatnot that she thinks she wants so she can see it in the comfort of the nursery. Only need a couple of 
the store's attendants, no more, and your own folk to bring 'em and take 'em back. No security 
breached, is there?" 


"I suppose not," he admitted. 


"You tell Rhyaz I said you were to do it. If he wants to argue, tell him to come and see me and we'll 
discuss old times." 
The door opened and a breathless Tulla scurried over to the last vacant chair. "Sorry I'm late, everyone, 


but there was a storm over the pass and we had to fly round it." 


"Get on with it, then, Noni," said Keaal. "We're all here, waiting breath-bated to find out why you 
dragged us out tonight." 
"Wait your turn, Keaal," Noni snapped. "Tokui's in charge tonight." 
Sister Tokui waved her hand tiredly in Noni's direction. "Carry on, N.oni. You called the meeting." 
"I want some information first," she said, fixing her glare on Dhaika. "I want to know why Dhaika's been 


ignoring the decision of this Council and not passing on information concerning visions and dreams." 


Startled, Dhaika looked over at her. "What're you talking 
about, Noni? I pass on anything relevant. I 
always have." 
"Ah, but who decides what's relevant?" 
"I do, of course." 
"Well, you've messed up this time, you old fool! Where'd you get the brains to dismiss the visions that 


Human Brynne's been having? From one of your students?" 


"Brynne? He's come to you with his dreams and you think they're visions?" He shook his head. "It's you 
that's got no brains if you believe his ramblings, Noni." 
Beside her, Noni felt Lijou stiffen slightly. So he knew more about this than he was letting on, did he? 
"What's this all about?" demanded Keaal, looking from one to the other. "What dreams? What visions?" 
"It's nothing," said Dhaika defensively. "Noni's gotten it all out of proportion. If she'd bothered to contact 


me first, I could have explained it to her and we could have avoided this meeting." 
"Explain it now!" 
"Someone better had," said Tokui impatiently. "This is also my concern." 
"There's nothing to explain. He's having vivid dreams, that's all. The kind that every new student gets at 


some time or another. And he's Human, which means what he's learning makes even less sense to him. 
It's his subconscious adjusting to our ways, that's all. Until recently, he'd had hardly any formal training as 
a telepath. He'd shut off his Sholan side, the part of him that he's inherited from his Leska. Now he's 



having vivid dreams." 

having vivid dreams." 

"More to the point, what are his dreams about?" asked Tokui. 

"Nothing worth hauling us across Kaeshala at this time of night for!" said Dhaika. 

"Oh, I'd say that visions of someone running through the forest and avoiding a hunt were worth passing 
on to the rest of us," said Noni lazily, mouth open in a slight smile. "Wouldn't you? Especially considering 
who we have loose on Shola. Namely that Valtegan general and the Derwent male." Now she felt a very 
positive reaction from Lijou. 

She turned her head to look at him. "You didn't think we knew nothing about Kezule, did you?" She 
arched an eye ridge at him before looking back to Dhaika. "There's more, isn't there, Dhaika? Dreams of 
a creeping danger threatening Shola, of a darkness waiting out beyond our world. I'd say they were good 
enough to pass on, wouldn't you?" 

"I want to know why you ignored Stronghold's directive as well as the Council one," said Lijou grimly. 
"You know why we sent him to you. He's been with you for over a week and you haven't seen fit to 
inform me of any of this? Dammit, we're supposed to be working together for the same ends here, the 
safety of our world! You forget in the isolation 
of the Retreat that out there in space are the beings who 
murdered millions of Sholans without a second thought! Anything that touches on them must be reported 
to me!" 

"I don't think they are visions! I see them as the product of a fertile imagination and an alien mind trying to 
adapt to our ways! Why would the Entity speak to him, a Human, when we have so many more Talented 
people of our own?" 

"Gods, you disgust me!" said Keaal. "I'm not fully at ease with a Human learning our religions and 
becoming a priest, but even I don't see why Ghyakulla shouldn't choose him to send Her messages 
through. They're part of our world now, Dhaika, their nature changed by our people as much as they've 
changed ours. There's no excuse for that kind of prejudice!" 

"I'm not prejudiced, just skeptical!" exclaimed the beleaguered 
guardian. "How do you know they're 
true visions and not what I say they are? How many of you would have decided differently in my place?" 

"How come you know all this, Noni?" asked Lijou. "What brought it to your attention?" 

"Don't you go blaming Brynne for not coming to you, Lijou. Dhaika told him not to bother you with his 
'hallucinations,' 
" said Noni. "Jurrel had the good sense to bring him to me. If he hadn't, we'd still be in 
the dark about it. Sensible lad, that Jurrel." 

"Thank Vartra he did," said Lijou, turning back to Dhaika. "Had you not kept this information to yourself, 
I could have told you that we've had confirmation of his visions," 
said Lijou. "I lacked the information I 
now have to tell the Council more. Dammit, Dhaika, I cannot make sense of what our visionaries see if I 
only have half the picture!" 

"What information do you have for us?" asked Sister Tokui. 


Lijou looked over at Miosh, then Noni. "This must go no further for now," he said quietly. "I'm sorry to 
have to break the news to you like this. The ship carrying the Alda-tans and Tallinu has been reported 
missing. A scheduled transmission they should have made before entering jump is now ten days overdue. 
A search was mounted as soon as we heard, but so far, we've found no trace of them." 

Lijou looked over at Miosh, then Noni. "This must go no further for now," he said quietly. "I'm sorry to 
have to break the news to you like this. The ship carrying the Alda-tans and Tallinu has been reported 
missing. A scheduled transmission they should have made before entering jump is now ten days overdue. 
A search was mounted as soon as we heard, but so far, we've found no trace of them." 

"Missing?" echoed Rhio. "What happened? Has there been an accident?" 

"We don't know," said Lijou. "They were on a U'Chu-rian vessel because it had the cryogenic facilities 
our trading ship lacked. The U'Churians' technology lags behind ours, but not significantly enough to have 
put their lives at risk by traveling on the vessel." 

"They could have forgotten, had a transmitter failure even," said Miosh, her voice hushed. "Maybe they're 
in jump already." 

"That's what we're hoping, but frankly, we couldn't take the risk of waiting to see if they arrived at their 
rendezvous. 

With the treaty just having been signed between the Alliance 
and the Free Traders, we needed to show 
our new allies that we take our responsibilities to all our member species seriously." 

"Why did they need cryogenic facilities, Lijou?" asked Noni quietly. 

"Carrie Aldatan was seriously wounded. They had to rush her to the medical facilities on the rendezvous 
ship. We don't plan to tell the family until every effort has been made to trace them." 

Noni was still trying to absorb this first piece of news but something made her catch Lijou's eye. "We'll 
have the rest, if you please, Master Lijou," she said, surprised at how gruff her voice sounded. She 
grasped the head of her walking 
stick more tightly. It was something solid and familiar in this nightmare 
she'd suddenly been thrown intoj 

"I've been warned by Vartra Himself that there is a threat to Shola from space. It's quite possible that our 
missing 
ship is the beginning of something far more sinister. The Brotherhood is preparing now. Rhyaz is 
speaking to the Governor tomorrow." 

"It seems I was very wrong about Brynne's visions," said Dhaika, his voice barely audible. 

"Dzaka came to me nine days ago with a tale of the cub Kashini crying inconsolably one night, and 
transmitting to him and Kitra a deep fear for her parents. I thought it impossible in a cub so young." 

"I remember the night," said Miosh, voice trembling. "I was with Rhyasha. Kashini was beyond 
comforting for hours. Then suddenly, she stopped and just fell asleep." 

"Dzaka told me that they felt that whatever was happening 
was over," said Lijou. "I should have paid 
more attention 
to him. He wanted us to start searching for them then. We all need to be less judgmental 
about what we hear, less afraid of seeming gullible to each other," he said, looking round the semicircle of 
Guardians. 

"You should have told us earlier about the missing Alda-tans," said Keaal, tail moving jerkily to show her 
displeasure. 

"Why? It wasn't concerned with visions as far as the Brotherhood was aware," said Lijou. "If I'd had 
news of these latest visions of Brynne's sooner, I would have told you. In him we have another visionary 


on a level with Kaid 

on a level with Kaid 

"No," said Noni, anger rising in her. She fought to keep it from her voice and thoughts. "His Triad is not 
the one that will link us all, not the one we need to have in this Council so we can learn about the 
Humans. And Tallinu was never taught to dream-walk. It never held him back. What need has Brynne of 
it?" 

Dhaika shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "He wasn't taught, but Vartra took him to His realm during a 
meditation 
session at the Retreat several months ago." 

"Why was I not told of this?" she demanded, knuckles whitening on her stick in an effort to hold back the 
explosion 
of rage. "You know my concerns for him! I should have been informed." 

"It was a matter personal to him and the Entity," said Dhaika stiffly. "You know I don't breach 
confidentiality unless there is a sound reason to do so." 

"How do you know there isn't a greater purpose behind Brynne's Triad?" countered Lijou, leaning closer 
to her. "You're so sure it's Tallinu's that you're blinding yourself to the choice of the Goddess!" 

"They were not the first. Tallinu's is. The first Triad, and the Aldatans were the first mixed Leska pair," 
she said in a tone that Challenged any argument. 

"Lijou still has a valid point," said Rhio. 

"He has no point at all. Brynne is the only one of his Triad to have visions. In Tallinu's, all three of them 
have seen. We need to wait and see how Brynne and his partners develop before we agree on taking the 
drastic step of training 
him further." 

"With respect to your family, Miosh," said Tulla gently, "we may have no choice if the Aldatans remain 
lost. All we may have is Brynne's Triad." 

"We don't need to decide now," said Noni firmly. "More mixed pairs are forming almost daily, aren't 
they, Miosh?" 

Miosh inclined her head affirmatively as she put a hand up to her eyes to rub at the tears forming in them. 

"We wait," said Noni. "Actions taken in haste are worse than no action. I say we do nothing for now." 

"Teaching someone to dream-walk is not a decision to make lightly," said Sister Tokui, letting her tail rise 
and fall lazily on the seat beside her. "There's the danger to the person themselves. To visit the realms of 
the Entities isn't easy or safe, even for the most experienced of us. To get lost there is to die. To cause 
harm to a person or animal that lives there is to die. We don't yet know enough about these Humans, 
whether altered by a Leska Link to one of us or not. I would have to agree with Noni. We should wait." 

"Why not teach him?" asked Keaal, looking round the group. "What better way to find out about them 
than in the realms? There's no room for pretense. You're stripped down to your soul. I say teach him, if 
he agrees to it, knowing 
the dangers." 

Tokui looked at Miosh. "What do you say?" she asked gently. 


"We may have lost one Triad. We can't afford to lose another," she said, rubbing futilely at her damp 
cheeks. "We must wait." 

"We may have lost one Triad. We can't afford to lose another," she said, rubbing futilely at her damp 
cheeks. "We must wait." 

"I say let him choose," said Rhio. 

"Rhaid, you've said nothing so far." 

Rhaid roused herself and looked over to Sister Tokui. "I've faced evil, Tokui. I know what imprisonment 
is like. If the Valtegans come, that's what we'll all face. I say we offer to teach him. He'll know what's at 
stake as well as we do. His people lived under the talons of the Valtegans on Keiss and are as much at 
risk from them as we are. He should be the one to choose, not us." 

"Dhaika, yours is the casting vote," said Tokui. 

"He'll say wait," snorted Lijou, getting to his feet and beginning to pace in front of the semicircle of chairs. 
"You're blinding yourselves to what really matters here. This isn't just about our cozy little world, there're 
millions of stars out there, millions of worlds! We live in an interstellar 
community, for Vartra's sake! 
Humans, Sholans, and the rest of our Alliance, we're at war with aliens determined 
to wipe us out! We 
need to develop every edge we can get, not put it off because of our own petty politics! I thought this 
Council of Guardians would be different, have a greater insight into life because we were all telepaths! 
But you're no better than the World Council at Shanagi!" 

"Lijou, you're new to our Council so I'll excuse your outburst this time," said Tokui coldly. "Sit down. 
The meeting's not over yet." 

Lijou glowered angrily around the room before returning to his chair. 

"Dhaika, your vote," said Tokui. 

"Wait," he said. 

"Then the majority decision is to wait. In the interim, I would suggest that since you obviously have a 
visionary on your hands, Dhaika, you accelerate his learning program. The sooner he's equipped to cope 
with these visions, the better for us all. And, Dhaika," she said, fixing a hard look on him, "Next time he 
comes to you with any kind of dream or vision, you will report it immediately, not only to the 
Brotherhood, but to me personally. Is that understood? Fail to do so and we will have you replaced at 
the Retreat." 

Dhaika inclined his head. 

"Don't underestimate the Humans. This has been a lesson 
to us all, one the Telepath Guild learned, and 
so should we. Is your business with us concluded, Noni?" Sister Tokui asked. 

"Yes, except to remind you I need to be kept informed of any visions, too." She tried to focus on the 
positive aspects 
of the meeting. She'd gotten what she wanted. There had been a danger they'd want 
Brynne taught to dream-walk and that would not have suited her purposes. But the news that Tallinu as 
well as the Aldatans was missing was a blow indeed, one that she couldn't think about until she got home. 
His work had always been dangerous and the chance he'd not survive each mission had always been 
there, but to have death loom so close barely six months ago and now this, was more than she could 
take. 

"Noni," she heard someone saying. "Are you all right? I've spoken to you three times." 


"Eh?" She looked up to see Lijou bending over her. 


"Are you all right?" he asked. "I'm sorry you and Miosh had to hear the news this way, but I had no 
choice." 
"I'm fine," she said tartly. "You go see to Miosh. I've got Teusi with me. I'll call you tomorrow," she said, 


levering 
herself up out of the chair by leaning on her stick. 
"Are you sure? Sister Tokui's with her." 
"I'm fine, I tell you! Now stop fretting over me," she said, pushing him aside. "You just see you contact 


me immediately 
you have any news of them, you hear me?" 
"Of course I will, you know that." 
"Right. Good night to you, then," she said, beginning to walk toward the door. 
"Good night, Noni." 
Lijou could see Dhaika eyeing him warily as he waited for him in the parking area outside the temple 


precincts. 
"What do you want, Lijou?" Dhaika asked, stopping, "I'm in no mood for any more recriminations." 
"We had an agreement, Dhaika," said Lijou angrily. "You said you'd teach Brynne to dream-walk if you 


believed 
Ghyakulla had called him. You purposely ignored those visions of his to avoid doing that. 
Worse, you told my student not to come to me with them!" 
"I did not. I truly believed they were his overactive imagination." 
"Don't wrong-spoor me, Dhaika! It comes down to the fact that you're afraid of Noni, doesn't it?" 
"Don't be ridiculous!" Dhaika blustered. 
"What's so difficult about saying no to her?" 
"Have you ever said no to her?" 


"I did in there." 
"You disagreed with her, that's different. Your time'll come, and when it does, you won't find it so easy as 
you think to say no." 


Lijou ruthlessly suppressed a few uncomfortable memories 
of encounters with Noni. "Are you reneging 
on our agreement?" he demanded. 


Dhaika glanced round him furtively. "She'll hear you. She's still around here somewhere." 
"Oh, in Vartra's name, Dhaika, stop worrying about herl" Lijou snapped. "I've got us shielded! Do you 
take me for a fool? Now, are you going to teach Brynne or not?" 


"What if she finds out, or the others? What if something goes wrong for him?" 
"I was there every time you were teaching him, wasn't I? Do you think I'd let anything happen to him?" 
"You're new to dream-walking yourself, Lijou. When I agreed to do it, only Noni had said no. It's 



another thing to go against a majority Council vote, especially when I also voted no." 


"Shola's at stake here, Dhaika! Not the ruling of the Guardians, our whole species! Get a backbone and 
start thinking for yourself!" 
Dhaika stiffened, ears flicking forward. "I've made my decision," he said, sidestepping the Head Priest. 


"Unless you're prepared to pull rank on me and order me to do it, I'll bid you good night." 
Furious, Lijou turned to watch Guardian Dhaika board his aircar before heading back to his own. 
Noni sent Teusi home for the night as soon as he dropped her at her cottage. She'd remained silent 


during the trip, wanting no chatter, no matter how well inten-tioned. She went in, closing her door behind 
her and reaching 
for the light sensor. A hand covered hers, preventing her. 
"You're a fool, old one," said a familiar male voice in her ear. 
"How so?" she countered, trying not to let her fear be heard. 
"You meddle too much this time. Let this matter take its own course." 
"I do no more than I was chosen by the Entities to do," she countered. 
"Not this time. I've been sent to warn you that in this matter the pledge between us has been set aside." 


"Then the price must be paid." 
"You'd barter at this time? When Shola herself is at stake?" The voice grew louder, the hand tightening 
around hers. 


"It's part of the pledge," she said, forcing herself to remain 
calm. 
She heard His low growl of anger, then abruptly the hand and the presence were gone, leaving behind it 
the gentle scent of nung blossom and an echo of laughter. 


The price will be paid in full, never fear. 

"I didn't say what I wanted!" 

When was it ever anything but Tallinu's safety? He's the child you never had, Old One! But this 
time, you'll get more than you bargained for. 

* * * 

Oblivious to the furor surrounding him, Brynne had chosen 
to spend the evening in one of the meditation 
rooms at the Retreat. His visit to Noni's had left him almost more confused than before. For the first time 
he had the room to himself, as Jurrel had decided to exercise in the gym. 

He lit the taper with his lighter, then leaned forward to touch it to each of the oil wicks in turn. That done, 
he passed his hand over the light sensor beside him, keeping it there till the room was lit only by the warm 
glow cast by the lamp. Giant shadow images of the petals and stamen of the lamp flickered on the plain 
walls, yet the atmosphere they created was welcoming, peaceful even. 

Once more he leaned forward, this time to crumble incense 
on the hot charcoal at the heart of the lamp. 
Heavily scented clouds of smoke billowed round him then slowly drifted ceilingward, wafted there by the 
heat of the flames. Focusing on the flames, he rested his hand in his lap and began to recite the litanies, 


each one in turn, letting them guide him deeper and deeper away from the everyday world. 

each one in turn, letting them guide him deeper and deeper away from the everyday world. 

Though the face was much leaner, and the eyes now burned from dark sockets, he knew Derwent 
instantly. 

"Did you think you'd be free of me that easily?" Der-went asked mockingly. "You made a pledge to me, 
Brynne. I won't let you forget that. It's time for me to redeem it." 

Brynne sat motionless. He wasn't here, he couldn't be. This campfire out in the forest wasn't real, it 
couldn't be. He knew he was in the Retreat, yet every sense, augmented by his Link to Vanna, told him 
otherwise. He could smell the woodsmoke, scent the moisture on the air and the damp earth on which he 
sat. He heard the wind not only in the trees, but stirring the grass around him. To his left, a jegget stopped 
suddenly, sitting up to watch this strange, alien spectacle. He could hear its tail flicking gently against the 
stalks of grass as it wondered what to do. Even its thoughts were open to him, but not those of the man 
opposite. 

"This is real," Derwent said. "As reality goes. I used the link I established with you for training to call you 
here." 

"Where is here?" he heard himself ask, surprised at how calm his voice sounded. 

Derwent's face clouded over as he frowned, but his eyes sparkled feverishly in the light cast by the twin 
moons. 

"Aduan and Agalimi," said Brynne in answer to the unspoken 
thought. 

"It took me weeks to calculate the right phases so I could work this spell," said Derwent, relaxing again. 
"So much easier when there's only one moon. It matters little now." He waved his hand in an airy, benign 
gesture. "You're here." 

"Where is here?" Brynne repeated. 

Derwent picked up a stick and poked at the fire, sending showers of sparks leaping up into the night. 
"Depends what you want to call it. Some say the dreaming land, others dreamtime. I call it the plains. 
You're in my world now, Brynne Stevens. The world of the guiders of souls. It's our path in this life." He 
looked across the flames at him, holding 
his gaze with his piercing pale eyes. 

"I need your help, Brynne," said Derwent, his voice gentle 
and persuasive. "I want sanctuary so I can 
stay on Shola. We have work to do on this world. They've turned their backs on the true nature of their 
gods and it's up to us to be their salvation. We have a mission here." 

Derwent sounded so reasonable, so sane, Brynne found himself thinking. Of course he must help him, he 
owed it to him. "What do you want me to do?" he heard himself ask. 

"I need you to come to me, lead me up to Stronghold. There I can get sanctuary, if you ask it for me." 


"How will I find you?" He felt as if the words were being squeezed from him against his will. He had no 


wish to help Derwent. Why was he agreeing to do so? 
"You've been to the plains before with me. I brought you here the night I initiated you as a shaman. 
Remember?" 


He tried, but the memory, if memory it really was, was hazy, lost in time. Initiated? He didn't remember 


anything like that. 
"Reach out your hand to me, Brynne," Derwent said, holding his across the fire toward him. "Take my 
hand. I'll remind you." 


He hesitated even as he felt his arm moving of its own volition. No! Something deep inside him 
screamed. No! I don't want to be involved! I won't help you! 


"Your hand." The voice was growing authoritative now, insisting he obey. 
He watched helplessly as he stretched his hand across the flames toward Derwent. Sudden pain shot 
through his leg and, instinctively, he yelled out and pulled back from the fire. Clutched by its scruff, in his 
other hand he held the offending mammal. 


The fire exploded in light and sparks, blinding him, making 
him shield his eyes with one arm and tuck the 
jegget close against his chest with the other as he flung himself backward to safety. 


A hand touched him and he pulled .back, ready to fight. 
"Not necessary." He could hear the purr of amusement in the Sholan voice. "You're safe now. You 
Humans are almost as troublesome as some of my people." 


He opened his eyes and looked around him. Night, the forest, the fire and Derwent, all were gone. In his 


arms, the jegget struggled. He clutched it more tightly. 
The male squatting in front of him reached out to caress the jegget's head briefly before holding his hand 
out to help him up. 


"Who are you?" asked Brynne, refusing to accept it. 


"Now you're learning," said the male with a satisfied nod. "But there's no need to fear my touch." He 
extended his hand another couple of inches. 
Cautiously, Brynne accepted it and let himself be helped off the ground. "I've seen you before," he said 


suddenly. "I know your face." He looked him over, noting the gray tunic and the pouched belt round his 
waist. He was well muscled, likely one of the Brothers come to his aid. 
"Perhaps," the other admitted, mouth opening in a grin. "I've come to show you the way back." 


"Where am I? What the hell happened to me? Where's Derwent?" 
His new companion began to walk along the path toward a wooden door. He stopped and waited for 
Brynne to join him. "Where are you? Well, I rather think you should work that one out for yourself, but 
I'll give you a clue," he said, reaching into a pouch on his belt. He held out his closed fist to Brynne. 


Again, he hesitated. 
"You really have learned that one, haven't you," he purred in pleasure. "Take it, there's no hidden danger 



from what I'm giving you." 

from what I'm giving you." 

"Show it to Dhaika and say the owner gave it to you to keep. Remember that part, Brynne Stevens, that 
the coin is yours. It will work for no one else." 

"Work?" asked Brynne, looking at the triple spiral pattern 
on its face. Then he realized the male had 
started walking again and ran to catch up. "What do you mean, work?" 

"Watch carefully the route you take to get home and remember it well. When you wish to visit me again, 
take the same route. I will be waiting for you. Have this coin, it'll open the door. Tell Dhaika he is to 
teach you to dream-walk." 

"But…" 

"Tell him what I said." The voice was firm. "As for Derwent, 
there is a link between you, but the realms 
of this world are now barred to him. He'll not call you there again. However, he will remain a danger to 
you until that link has been severed. You must tell Master Lijou about it. He'll know what to do." He 
touched the door and it swung open to reveal darkness outside. 

"Thank you," said Brynne, stepping outside. "But…" The door had closed silently behind him, revealing 
on its face the same triple spiral pattern as the coin. But in its heart was a blue-white faceted crystal. 

Unsure what to do next, Brynne looked around. It was pitch black here, not a glimmer of moonlight 
even. Then he saw a point of green light approaching him. The closer it got, the larger it grew, and he 
knew this was his path home. In his arms, the jegget whimpered, reminding him he still held it. He looked 
round hurriedly but there was nowhere suitable to put it down. 

"Looks like you and me've got to ride this one out together," 
he muttered, bracing himself. 

Remember the route, a voice echoed in his head as the green light surrounded him and swept him away. 

Cradled within it, he was carried along faster and faster until he found himself suddenly deposited at an 
archway. Beyond it, he could see the familiar glow of the meditation lamp and the gently flickering 
shadows on the walls. 

"Reckon this is our stop, girl," he said, stepping through it. Abruptly, he found himself back in the 
meditation room with the scent of nung tree incense heavy in the air. A figure opposite him stirred, his 
shadow becoming separate from the rest. 

"You were gone for a long time," said Jurrel quietly. "Where were you?" 

"I wish I could tell you," said Brynne, blinking and putting 
up his hand to rub his eyes. A movement on 
his lap drew his instant attention. Curled up on his black robe lay a sleeping jegget. "Oh, Gods," he 
moaned, shutting his eyes momentarily as fear clutched his vitals. He opened his hand and looked at the 
coin he held. "It was true. It really happened." 
He turned the coin over to find the symbol of the 
Brotherhood. 

Jurrel leaned forward. "Vartra's bones! Who gave you a Guild coin?" 

"I'd rather not say," said Brynne faintly. "Do you think Father Lijou would mind being disturbed right 
now?" 


"Not when he sees that coin," said Jurrel. "We'll use the comm in my room. I know it's secure." 

"Not when he sees that coin," said Jurrel. "We'll use the comm in my room. I know it's secure." 

* * * 

When Lijou arrived back from the meeting, Rhyaz was sitting inside the lobby waiting for him. 
"Dhaika won't honor our agreement," he said shortly, stopping long enough to hand his cloak to his aide. 


"The council voted not to teach him. We need to be autonomous, Rhyaz! I will not have this happening 
again!" 
"We are virtually autonomous, Lijou," said Rhyaz, taking 
him by the arm to guide him upstairs. 
"Not when it comes to dream-walking!" He resisted. "I want to go into the temple." 
"Very well," said Rhyaz, changing direction to accompany 
him. "You have the skill, Lijou. We don't 


need Dhaika." 
"I'm too new at it to teach anyone. I need time and practice to perfect it for myself before I can even 
think of showing anyone else how to do it! I couldn't make them see that the fate of Shola could hang on 


us having Brynne trained and ready! No, don't come with me. I need time to get rid of my temper," he 
said, pushing the heavy door open. "I'll see you shortly." 
Rhyaz nodded and waited till his co-leader had gone in before turning to Lijou's aide, Yaszho. He raised 


a questioning 
eye ridge. 
"He's not pleased," Yaszho ventured. "He was silent for the whole journey." 
Rhyaz nodded and dismissed him with a wave of his hand. A noise from outside drew his attention. An 


aircar so late? Frowning, he strolled into the duty room to see for himself who was landing. 
"Jurrel and Brynne, Master Rhyaz," said the Brother on duty at the comm. 
"Indeed," he murmured as he headed back into the lobby again. What, or who, had brought them here on 


the heels of the meeting? 
"Master Rhyaz," murmured Jurrel as they entered. 
"Do you know where Father Lijou is?" asked Brynne. "I need to see him." 
"Is it urgent? He's in the temple at the moment." Was that a jegget the Human was carrying? 
"You don't mind me bringing her in, do you?" asked Brynne. "I need her to show Father Lijou." 
"They're vermin, you know," said Rhyaz, looking in sur-prise at the small mammal. He'd never seen one 


up this close before. Mainly white, her nose and ear tips were a soft, dark brown in color. Small black 
eyes glittered up at him as she surveyed him with as much curiosity. "They can't survive naturally this high 
in the mountains. If it gets loose and it's pregnant, we'll be overrun with them come autumn. It would be 
better if you left her with the guards." 

"Oh, she isn't pregnant," assured Brynne. "And she seems quite tame. Maybe she was someone's pet." 
"Pet?" 


"An animal you keep as a companion to talk to and stroke," explained Brynne. "But being furred, I don't 
suppose 
a furry critter has that much appeal for you." 

"An animal you keep as a companion to talk to and stroke," explained Brynne. "But being furred, I don't 
suppose 
a furry critter has that much appeal for you." 

"I guess you don't have pets, then. She won't get loose, I promise. I need to show her to Father Lijou." 

Rhyaz sighed. It was late and he didn't have any interest in prolonging this discussion. "If you plan to keep 
her, you'll have to have her in a container that she can't escape from," he said. 

Brynne turned to Jurrel, who sighed. "I'll see what I can find. I guess we'll need stuff for her to eat and 
drink as well." 

Brynne flashed a smile of thanks and headed for the temple doors. As he walked down the main aisle 
toward the statue, he couldn't see the priest anywhere. The light from the braziers drew his gaze. ¦ 

"Vartra's bones," he whispered, feeling the color drain from his face as he realized just who he'd been 
talking to that night. "It was Him!" 

"What was him?" asked a voice he recognized as the Head Priest's. 

He turned to find Lijou standing between the pillars on his left. "I saw Him tonight!" he said, pointing 
incredulously 
at the statue. 

"Vartra? You saw Vartra?" Disbelievingly, Lijou came closer. "What are you holding?" 

"A jegget. She came back with me. I was called somewhere 
by Derwent and He, the God, rescued me. 
He gave me a coin to show Dhaika and told me that you should sever the link between me and 
Derwent." It all poured out in a rush that probably didn't make much sense, Brynne realized, watching the 
various movements of Lijou's ears and eye ridges for telltale signs of his emotions. There were a lot. 

Lijou took him by the arm and led him off to the side chapel of Ghyakulla. Once they were sitting, he 
said, "Start at the beginning." 

By the end of his tale, Lijou was holding the coin in his hand and watching as the jegget sniffed her way 
cautiously round the small indoor garden. He smiled, then he began to laugh, loudly. When he stopped, 
he patted Brynne on the back. 

"You keep your jegget with the blessing of Vartra, and me!" he said. "She's rather special. Anyone 
bothers you about her, tell them she's been granted sanctuary here by me. A pet, eh? I wonder if 
Kha'Qwa would like one. She's been a little low lately." 

CHAPTER 8 

Day 13 

NOTHING was said about his failure with the Cabbarans. J'koshuk knew it was a failure because 
obviously the Primes had been trying to keep the navigators separate from the rest of the crew. For three 
days he'd continued interrogating the members of his crew brought to him by the Primes. Then on the 
fourth, he was taken to the room where he'd viewed the culling, over a week ago now. 

They passed a gurney being towed down the corridor toward the medical section. He stopped dead, 
recognizing his old rival Mzayb'ik lying there, his head heavily bandaged. 

"What…" he began. 


"It is not your concern," said the guard, pushing him on. 

"It is not your concern," said the guard, pushing him on. 

Two things were immediately obvious to him. Of the crew of nearly eighty, barely half remained in a 
room that was now laid out like a hospital ward. All present sat or lay on treatment beds staring vacantly 
into space. The second 
was a flash of floating drapery as a door at the far end of this room closed. The 
shock of the scene before him rendered him speechless and he could only stand and stare disbelievingly. 

Three Seniormost were present, one of them wearing a gold tabard over the dark body armor. Was this 
their general? 
He knew they were looking at and discussing him. How, he'd no idea, but he knew. 

The smaller gray-clad Prime and the one in gold left, accompanied by two heavily armed guards. 

"I am giving you more freedom," said one of the remaining 
Primes. He pointed to a table in front of him. 
"Wear this communicator at all times. You will report to this area when it shows the eighth hour after 
midnight. You will take your designated prisoners, one at a time, to the interrogation room. Violence will 
not be used unless absolutely 
necessary. You will extract the information we want verbally, if possible. 
Do you understand?" 

"Yes, Seniormost." 

"These males each carry an implant in their head. If it is damaged, they may terminate. This is to be 
avoided." 

"Yes, Seniormost," he chanted, then the words actually registered in his brain. Implants? 

"Failure to comply will result in severe punishment being inflicted on you. Do not make it more expedient 
to implant you with one of our control devices." 

He paled at the words, icy fingers of fear running down his spine. "Yes, Seniormost," he whispered. His 
obedient reply was no meaningless chorus this time. 

"You may not approach any closed air lock door. This sector is sealed off from the rest of our ship. Any 
attempt to move out of this area will be punishable by instant death. Your collar has a locator in it. Your 
movements are constantly 
tracked. We do not need to find you to kill you." 

A guard came forward to hand him a small comp reader. J'koshuk's hand trembled as he took it. 

"The questions we want answered are on this. Do not lose it. The sessions will be monitored, as will your 
progress. 
Do not fail to achieve the results we expect." 

"I won't," he said fervently. 

"Take the communicator," said the Prime, pointing to a small table in front of them. 

He stepped closer to the viewing window to pick up the clip-on wrist unit. Glancing up, he looked 
through the window. 
He could see what the Prime was talking about now. Fixed to the head of each of 
his people was a small, dark object, barely an inch across. Instinctively, he put his hand up to his own 
head, feeling the smooth dome of his skull, just to be sure. 

* * * 

Day 14 


The next day, Master Sorli's wife, Mayoi, waited for Kitra Aldatan to arrive with a mixture of feelings. 
Personally, 
she felt a great deal of sympathy for the youngling. Kitra had seen her brother and elder 
sister make unconventional 
matches of love, and now she was being offered up as the sacrifice to Clan 
customs in an arranged match. It was particularly sad since she had already formed an obviously 
deep 
attachment with one of the Brothers on the home estate. However, as life-mate of the Telepath Guild 
Master, her own duty was clear. She must uphold the Clan laws, and Kitra's behavior, though not exactly 
breaking them, was certainly crushing them underfoot. 

The next day, Master Sorli's wife, Mayoi, waited for Kitra Aldatan to arrive with a mixture of feelings. 
Personally, 
she felt a great deal of sympathy for the youngling. Kitra had seen her brother and elder 
sister make unconventional 
matches of love, and now she was being offered up as the sacrifice to Clan 
customs in an arranged match. It was particularly sad since she had already formed an obviously 
deep 
attachment with one of the Brothers on the home estate. However, as life-mate of the Telepath Guild 
Master, her own duty was clear. She must uphold the Clan laws, and Kitra's behavior, though not exactly 
breaking them, was certainly crushing them underfoot. 

She's so like her mother, Mayoi thought, watching her walk across to the desk, tail swaying insolently, 
an unconcerned 
air on her face. Rhyasha was just as self-possessed when we were that age! She's 
not going to be easy to deal with. 

"Sit down, Kitra," she said, indicating the formal chair beside the desk. "I regret having to speak to you 
like this, but I've had a complaint about your behavior from the Chazoun Clan." 

Kitra frowned, nose wrinkling slightly. "What have the Chazoun Clan to do with how I behave?" 

Yes, she was going to be difficult. "Your betrothed is Ashok Chazoun," she reminded her gently. 

Kitra's frown vanished and her mouth opened in a smile. "So he is. I'd forgotten." 

Mayoi ignored it. There was no point fighting that battle when Kitra obviously wanted it so much. "Your 
betrothal and wedding are only a week away, Kitra. You should be planning for that, not visiting the 
males' dormitory after your curfew." 

"The curfew is for younglings, Mistress Mayoi," she said, playing with the end of a lock of her hair. "Since 
I'm to be married like an eighteen year old in just over a week's time, why should I observe a curfew set 
for younger females?" 

"Because you aren't eighteen, Kitra. And even if you were, you should not be visiting the young males at 
any time of night. You're lucky your father hasn't chosen to have you chaperoned!" She was beginning to 
lose her patience, 
which was exactly what Kitra wanted. "If I find you out of your room after curfew 
again, I'll appoint a chaper-one myself." 

Kitra looked at her with wide-eyed surprise. "Are you afraid I'll get myself pregnant to avoid this 
life-bonding?" 

Mayoi softened again. "No, Kitra, I don't think anyone would believe you capable of such a selfish and 
foolish act. But your behavior is embarrassing for Ashok and his family. 
They're not to blame for your 
situation. It's not fair to take it out on them." 

"It's not fair of the Clan Council to demand I marry this early either!" she retorted, standing up. "Is that 
all, Mistress 
Mayoi? As you said, it's past my bedtime." 

She sighed. What was the point? The Council were mad to try to impose this match on such a spirited 
youngling. "Yes, you can go, but be warned. I meant what I said, Kitra!" 

She was gone in a flash, leaving the door wide open behind 
her. Mayoi sighed. She'd tell the Chazouns 
she'd spoken 
to her, but she'd also remind them Kitra was barely more than a cub and they needed to 
be patient with her. Sorli and Master Konis were right, the Clan laws needed changing, and quickly. 

* * * 


"The Betrothal ceremony will not be held here," said Rhyasha with finality. 

"The Betrothal ceremony will not be held here," said Rhyasha with finality. 

"Then hold it in your office in Shanagi, but it will not happen here! I thought you'd learned better after we 
nearly lost both Kusac and Carrie, but it seems I was wrong. You should be standing up to that council 
of old aunties and refusing to allow Kitra to marry at her age!" 

He turned on her angrily. "I can't! The laws need to be changed, and I cannot do that unless I'm Clan 
Lord! You know that pack are so conventional they'd vote me out with no discussion needed if I'd 
refused." 

"So you'd rather sacrifice our youngest daughter," she said, sitting back in her chair and regarding him 
coldly. "I don't understand your behavior, Konis. If you really intend to go ahead with this betrothal, then 
as Clan Leader, I refuse to offer you our hospitality. No." 

"You'd do that?" he asked, shocked. "You'd use your rank over me like this?" 

"Yes." 

"You're pushing me into a corner, Rhyasha. Don't do this," he pleaded, placing his hands on the desk and 
leaning toward her. 

"Where do you think Kitra is right now? Your decision will not only give her a life-mate she doesn't want, 
but has already lost her her Companion!" 

"Kitra ended that relationship…"' 

"When you ordered Dzaka not to see her till after the bonding and he obeyed you," she finished. 

Konis had the grace to admit his error. "All right, I agree I said that. But Kitra's Betrothal must be held 
here. Rhyasha, 
don't fight me over this. I don't need a confrontation with you. I've a lot of stress at work 
right now with these treaty talks." 

"The Chazouns can host it just as easily. In fact, there's no need for a Betrothal ceremony at all. Kitra's 
below the legal age to sign it. Just call Ashok and his parents into your office and get them to witness 
your signature for her! Then all you have to worry about is getting her to the temple the next day. As for 
your work, what stress? Kusac and Kaid did the preliminary groundwork. All your department 
has to 
do is get High Command to decide on the military clauses and add them to the treaty!" 

He realized he'd said more than he should and tried to focus on his original point. "Are you saying you 
won't even sign the Betrothal contract?" 

"Damned right I won't! I don't agree to this at all! I should have stood up more for Kusac, and I'm not 
making the same mistake this time. If you want your daughter bonded like this, you can sign all the papers 
yourself." 

"Think of how this will look," he pleaded. "It'll cause a scandal! As her Clan Leader, you must sign." 

"My signature isn't necessary. As Clan Lord and my husband 
you outrank me on this issue, so I'm 
exercising my right to register my disapproval. I wouldn't sell my daughter 
to maintain my position on 
that council if it stooped to blackmailing me, and neither should you!" 

"Why do you have to turn this into a battle, Rhyasha?" She should be supporting him at this time, even if 


she didn't know what it was that was preying on his mind. After all their years together, she should know 
he needed her understanding 
right now. 

she didn't know what it was that was preying on his mind. After all their years together, she should know 
he needed her understanding 
right now. 

With a snarl of rage, Konis stormed out. 

* * * 

A new supply of sealed packs of Cabbaran food from the Profit were discovered in the middle 

bedroom. 
"I hate the way they seem to walk through walls," muttered 
Tallis, watching as Mrowbay and Sayuk 
piled the beds in one corner of the lounge. 


"It gives me the shivers," said Kate. "They know so much about us all—our food, medicine, everything." 


"They could get some of that from the medical computer in our sick bay," said Giyesh. "Mrowbay kept 
files. I don't think they were wiped." 
Kate looked at her gratefully. "It's still frightening." 
"Almost as frightening as going back in time," said Tallis carefully. 
"Going back in time?" asked Giyesh. "No one can do that." 
"Kaid did," said Tallis. "Along with the two in cryo. Kate said she heard about it on a newsvid on Keiss." 
Kate nodded an affirmative to the U'Churian female. 
"They did. It was on the 'vid because it was some religious rite. They got to set up a new Clan because 


they succeeded. They're En'Shalla now, beyond the laws governing Shola." 
"That's a little hard to believe," said Giyesh skeptically. "Perhaps it's meant as a kind of allegory." 
"There is such a rite," insisted Tallis. "What did the 'vid say exactly?" 
"That they'd gone back to the time of the Cataclysm," Kate said, putting a segment of fruit from the bowl 


in her mouth and continuing to talk around it. "Apparently the disaster 
was caused by a Valtegan 
starship crashing into the smaller moon and sending chunks of debris falling to the surface of Shola. Tidal 
waves, firestorms, nuclear winter— that kind of thing. The 'vid reporters were more interested in that 
than anything else. Said we should all cooperate in the drive to uncover Shola's history, which had been 
lost for so long. They've got archaeologists from Earth doing excavations and suchlike all over Shola." 


"Did Kaid and the others bring anything back with them?" Tallis asked carefully. 


"Don't know," Kate shrugged. "I didn't hear any mention 
of it. Why don't you ask Kaid? He was there, 
after all." 
"I don't think our esteemed leader likes me," said Tallis, mouth twisting in a slight grimace. "I think he 



resents any telepath since his partners went into cryo." 

resents any telepath since his partners went into cryo." 

"You're not a Sholan telepath. He's certainly got very little time for Rezac, not much for Zashou, and as 
for Taynar," he shrugged. "Well, he's only a youngling." 

Kate frowned. 

"You're seeing insults where there's none," said Giyesh. "He's your leader. Like our captain, he's other 
matters on his mind right now, which is as it should be. Our safety depends on their decisions." 

Tallis toyed with a piece of skin from Kate's fruit. "Maybe you're right," he conceded. "It's been hard for 
him with his lovers in cryo. He's probably finding it difficult to keep his mind on anything much right now." 

Giyesh made a small noise of anger. "What's this all about, Tallis? You trying to make us doubt him? It's 
our job to support our leaders, not undermine them, and especially 
not in front of young ones." 

Tallis tossed the rind onto the table and sat back in his chair. "I'm a civilian, Giyesh. Kaid isn't my leader. 
I didn't elect him, nor did any of us but T'Chebbi. Even your captain 
defers to him at times." 

A shadow fell over the table. Tallis looked up to see Rezac and Jeran standing beside him. 

"Thought we'd join you," said Rezac, sitting down next to him as Jeran took up the offer of part of 
Giyesh's seat. "Jeran says you're up to your old tricks again, Tallis. I'm giving you a friendly warning—this 
time." 

Tallis could hear and feel the almost soundless growl of displeasure from the telepath. "You the morale 
officer now, Rezac? Listening in to what everyone says? You're breaking 
Guild rules, you know. Mental 
privacy and all that. I'm entitled to my thoughts." 

"I'm a civilian too, Tallis. But as for your guild system, it doesn't apply to me. Stop trying to play your 
little political 
games right now. We need to be united, and that's difficult 
enough when we're not all of 
the same species. We don't need you undermining Kaid or anyone else." 

Tallis got to his feet. "I don't like your implications, Rezac. I was merely being friendly, which is more 
than can be said for you or Kaid." He stalked off to the other side of the room. 

Rezac turned to Kate. "Jeran says Tallis was a supervisor at the mining corporation where they worked. 
He enjoyed snooping on all the employees, reporting any infringements, no matter how small. They 
reckon he used his Talent to find out what they were up to. I'd think twice before trusting 
anything he 
said." 

Kate looked from him to Jeran. 

He nodded. "You had to watch everything you thought and said when he was around. No one liked him. 
When the Valtegans took us, it was better for us to forget that, to start fresh. All we had was each other. 
Even then, he avoided pulling his weight. Left it to Miroshi to do anything that involved using telepathy." 

Giyesh growled in annoyance. "I bet he used his ability to make what he said sound more believable too!" 

"Probably," agreed Rezac. "He picked on you, Kate, because 
you have less experience, you'd be easier 
to influence." 

"I'm not a child," she said, finding her voice. "You're right. He was beginning to sound believable. But 


why? Why bother? What does he gain by doing that?" 

why? Why bother? What does he gain by doing that?" 

was also after information." 
"About what?" asked Rezac. 
"Going back in time." She looked strangely at him. "Did they really do that?" 
Rezac nodded. "Kaid said so." 
"You came from that time, didn't you? Did what he say sound true?" 
So Tirak had told his crew. "Yes, he knew things that only someone who was there could have known," 


he agreed. "He described people and places I knew. That knowledge couldn't have lasted for fifteen 
hundred years. What was Tallis interested in about the past?" 
"He was asking if they brought anything back with them." 
"Kezule." He'd said it before he could stop himself. 


"Who?" asked Jeran, frowning. 
Rezac shook his head. "Forget it. It's just a name, nothing 
more. The important thing is to keep an eye 
on Tallis, make sure he doesn't try that trick on anyone else." He was thinking fast now, had to. He, 
couldn't be sure Tallis hadn't heard him. Better to let Kaid know about it now than have him find out 
later. 


"Not just for Kaid's sake," said Kate. "He was having a go at Captain Tirak as well." 


"Keep not just an eye on him then, keep a mental ear out for anything subversive." He pushed himself up 
from the table. "I'm going to let Kaid know what he was up to." 
"Kezule?" said Kaid. He'd been making a quick visit to the Cabbarans with Tirak and had missed the 


interchange. "What makes you think he's interested in him?" 
"I told you, he was asking if you'd brought anything back from the past." 
"But to think he meant Kezule is a rather long leap, Rezac," said Kaid, leaning against the drawer unit. 
"You asked me about him at your briefing on the Profit," reminded Rezac, sitting down on his bed. "He's 


obviously been thinking about the whole issue. Now that I have, it seems obvious to me, too. Did you 


bring this general back with you?" 
There is no reason not to tell him. Might even help if he thought he was being trusted with inside 
information. "Yes, we did. He's at Shanagi being questioned. They're studying him, trying to find out all 
they can about his species. This isn't common knowledge, you realize." 


Rezac gave him a scathing look. "Don't take me for a fool, Kaid," he said. "I might be younger than you, 
but I've been around. I've had some experience of leadership." 
"I know." Now that they were alone, his curiosity was getting the better of him. "What were you doing in 



Ranz?" 
"Why?" asked Rezac, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. 
Kaid shrugged. "Just curious," he said, watching the other's 
tail tip begin to flick gently. He didn't want to 


talk about it, obviously. "I wondered why you went there when you lived in the western peninsula." 
"I came from Ranz," he said. "My parents owned a general 
store. I got picked up by the University 


telepath program. 
They offered me a chance to get an education and training in my psi abilities, so I took 
it." 
"And the packs?" He knew he was pushing, but he wanted to know. 
"What do you know about the packs?" The tail was no longer moving gently, it was an agitated twitch. 
"Goran said you were involved with them when the program 
picked you up." It wasn't strictly true, but 


he wasn't going to tell Rezac he'd had a vision of him working out with Goran in the gym under the 
monastery. He could sense the younger male considering his answer, wondering whether to tell him the 
truth or not. 

"Why's it so important to know?" he asked. 
"I was in Ranz for several years myself," said Kaid. "With the Claws." 
"You?" There was stark incredulity in his voice. "You were with the Claws? You read me, damn you!" 
"No," said Kaid. "Ask T'Chebbi. She knows. I was Sec-ond. The Brotherhood picked me up and took 


me to Stronghold." He noticed the other's tail tip lay still now. 
"I was with the Claws, too," Rezac admitted. "You couldn't refuse the University recruitment drive. Once 


they'd spotted me, I had to go. Telepaths of my ability were rare, they said, and offered to move my 
whole family. So we sold up and went. It was a chance to escape, to start again." 
"That's what Zashou can't forgive, your past." 
Rezac nodded. "Look, the Claws, they wanted me. They threatened my family to make me join. I tried to 


stay out, but they started trashing the store. Even then, it wasn't till they took my sister that I agreed." 
"No one told me you had a sister." Was it possible he wasn't Rezac's son, but his sister's? 
"My family wanted nothing to do with me," he said quietly. 
"Never spoke to me again after I joined the 


Claws. They were ashamed and afraid of me. What about you?" 
Kaid hesitated. "I was a foundling. I left home for Ranz and fell in with the Claws, that's all." 
"You must have been good to become Second." 
He shrugged. "The Brotherhood got my past officially erased on the condition I stayed with them. It 


seemed like a good deal." 


"Strange how similiar our past is," murmured Rezac. "At least Carrie didn't hate you for it, like Zashou 
does me. At least, I presume she didn't." 
"No, she'd no problem with that.!' Rezac's story had shaken him. There was a similarity between them 


after all, a bizarre one. What were the odds against both of them, so far apart in time, ending up with the 



same pack? "We'd better return to the lounge," he said. "Don't want the others 
worrying because we 
stay away too long." He had to ask this last question. "Did you have someone in Ranz? A Companion?" 

same pack? "We'd better return to the lounge," he said. "Don't want the others 
worrying because we 
stay away too long." He had to ask this last question. "Did you have someone in Ranz? A Companion?" 

"Just curious." 

* * * 

That night, Kaid dreamed of home—a strange dream, crazy and disjointed as most dreams were. 
Elements of Re-zac's story wound their way in and out of his own memories of the Claws for a while. 
Then they became more focused and he saw his son, Dzaka, keeping watch in the nursery at the villa. 
Saw him argue with Jack when the doctor came to check on Kashini, then storm out, leaving the Human 
alone with the child. Mara was working out with Garras' other students in the Warrior's exercise 
hall—and coming along well, by the look of it. Vanna seemed fine, her pregnancy 
advancing well as she 
greeted Brynne and another male from Stronghold. 

His thoughts kept returning to his son, though. Dzaka should be with the cub: she was the vulnerable one. 
In his dream, he tried to reach out to him, to tell him this, but each time he failed. He was about to give up 
when he saw Dzaka's ears flatten against his skull as slowly he turned round and looked straight at him. 

At last! Guard Kashini well. There's danger approaching, he sent. 

Dzaka's nose wrinkled and his brow creased. He seemed to be peering at him, almost as if he was trying 
to focus on what he saw. 

"Carrie?" 

Day 17 

Shock at hearing her name fragmented the images, making 
him feel as if he was spinning endlessly in 
space. He was aware of voices, could feel himself being touched. It made him feel unclean, nauseous, 
and with a strangled growl, he pulled away from the hands that grasped him. His stomach began to 
spasm and he broke out in a cold sweat. Confused and ill, he knew there was a danger of choking if he 
vomited. As he pushed himself up on one arm, the voices stopped fading in and out and became distinct. 

"Get him the bowl from the table," he heard T'Chebbi say. 

He was with his own, then. No longer protesting, he allowed 
himself to be touched and pulled into a 
sitting posi-tion. Opening his eyes, he found everything blurred. He blinked, trying to clear his sight, and 
felt the bowl thrust onto his lap. Suddenly light-headed and cold, he grabbed for it. 

"Kaid. Kaid." The voice had become insistent. 

He was lying on his back again. Opening his eyes, he looked up at the face swimming above him. 
T'Chebbi. 

"Do you want to sit up?" 

Of course he did! Lie here like some beached sea creature? 
But all that came out was a groan. He let 
himself once more be slowly pulled into a sitting position, realizing he felt better this time. 


"Kaid, you were gone. Do you remember anything?" she asked. 

"Kaid, you were gone. Do you remember anything?" she asked. 

"Gone where?" he asked, shocked to hear how rough his voice sounded. He swallowed, discovering his 
throat hurt. 

"They took you, like they did the others. Do you remember 
anything at all?'" 

This was so confusing. They were mistaken, surely. "I was dreaming," he said hoarsely. "Of home, of 
Carrie." He ran a shaking hand across his folded back ears. A cup of water appeared. Taking it, he 
emptied it in one go. He'd been thirsty. 

"You were gone for two days. Don't you remember?" 

Everything was so vague. "Why do I feel so ill?" he asked. "I told you, I was asleep, dreaming of 
Carrie—no, not of her, I was Carrie!" 

T'Chebbi looked briefly at Jo. "Carrie's gone, so is Kusac. We think they're dead, Kaid, that's why 
you've been so ill. Was like Link deprivation, Rezac says." 

Memory returned in stark clarity then. They were dead, and by his hand. "I only remember the dream," 
he said, his voice hushed as he realized he had to face that possibility. 

He sent them away, then lay there, staring at the ceiling, wondering why Dzaka had thought he was 
Carrie. Could this dream have been one of Carrie's in cryo? Or was it just that Dzaka had recognized her 
in his mental pattern? Whatever the reason, it had brought the whole question of his Triad partners' 
survival only too vividly to his attention. 

He Loved them both—how could he not? They had become 
his touchstone for what was bright and full 
of promise for the future, a future of the kind he'd never thought to have for himself. They'd gotten into his 
heart from almost the first with their courage and determination to stay together 
and to overcome the 
odds they knew were stacked against them. It was the little things, a word here, a gesture there that came 
back to him now, tearing at his heart. 

He turned over, burying his face in the sheet beneath him and let the memories he'd blocked return. 
Vartra had been right about the cost of this venture—it had cost him not one but both of his Triad. 

He'd put Kusac through hell during his first few days at Stronghold before accepting that the younger 
male wouldn't be put off, no matter what was thrown at him. He'd even submitted to being a warm body 
for inexpert students to practice massage techniques on. It had been, mentally and physically, a painful 
experience, one Kusac had never had to face before in his sheltered life as a telepath. 

The relationship that had been forced on him with Kusac had made him face his own past in a way that 
his relationship 
with Garras never had. He'd been the junior sword-brother then, but with Kusac, he'd 
been senior and had to take responsibility for him. In doing that, he'd been able to come to terms with 
who and what he was, and accept his own telepathic talent. 

He remembered the comfort he'd felt knowing Kusac lay beside him during those nights at Stronghold 
when he'd doubted his own sanity; remembered the set of his friend's ears, the tilt of his head when 
puzzled, how his nose would wrinkle in thought—and being teased with a gentle, shared humor for the 
first time in his life. He missed Kusac's quiet strength at his side. And even before this intimacy, Kusac 
had trusted him enough to ask him be his third, become one with him and Carrie. 


He tensed, anticipating the grief for her, but it wasn't enough. He could have howled it to the moons, it 
was so deep and pained him so much. It filled every part of his being till there was room for nothing else. 
He clenched his hands in the bedding, claws puncturing through the fabric into the filling as his tears 
flowed. The loss of them both was unbearable. 

He tensed, anticipating the grief for her, but it wasn't enough. He could have howled it to the moons, it 
was so deep and pained him so much. It filled every part of his being till there was room for nothing else. 
He clenched his hands in the bedding, claws puncturing through the fabric into the filling as his tears 
flowed. The loss of them both was unbearable. 

He wept till he was empty and exhausted, then he walled his grief and fear for them away deep inside and 
got up. His eyes felt gritty and his head was thick and heavy, but it would pass. He would make it pass. 

He showered, finding sore spots on his back and at the sides of his head. Momentarily he wondered 
about them, then remembered Jo had said he'd been taken by the Primes. He froze, leaning against the 
cubicle wall. He searched his memory, remembering nothing beyond being afraid of being touched, then 
realizing it was T'Chebbi and the others. If he had been afraid, it was because he'd been aware, on a 
subliminal level, of being examined by the Primes. 

He searched his body thoroughly then, looking for any other wounds or tender areas, remembering the 
time Var-tra had called him back to the past. The thought of lying helpless and unconscious, being 
examined intimately for two days bothered him profoundly. He found nothing, but he wasn't reassured. 
His only comfort was that they'd returned 
him apparently unharmed. 

Showered, his pelt brushed till it was free of loose hair, he dressed and joined the others in the main 
room. They were eating—he had smelled food, then. Nodding to those who looked up, he strolled over 
to the food dispenser and chose a meal. Overcoming his instinct to sit alone, he went over to the smaller 
table where T'Chebbi sat with Rezac, Zashou, and Jo. Because of his wrist psi damper, he was only 
faintly aware of their concern. Without it, he'd have found being with anyone unbearable right now. 

Talk stopped as he sat down. After a minute or two, he glanced up at Rezac. "I'm fine, thanks," he said in 
Highland, 
then looked at T'Chebbi. "You coped well, and, no, it won't be a repeat of Stronghold. Now 
can we please carry on as normal? You said I was gone for two days. How long was I ill?" 

"Most of today," said Jo, spooning some food into her mouth. "We'd almost given up on you being 
returned. Do you remember anything?" 

"Only that I didn't want to be touched until I realized it was T'Chebbi and you," he said. "I take it you 
checked me over when you found me." 

"Not at first," said Rezac, pushing the remains of his food around his plate with the fork. "We had to wait 
until the worst of your sickness was over." 

"We needed Rezac's help because you fought so hard. Too much for me and Jo. Had to keep it among 
our own," said T'Chebbi quietly, moving her plate aside. 

"You did fine," he reassured her. "Thank you, Rezac, Jo." 

"We found the usual small wounds on your back where samples had been taken, but on you, they'd 
healed. There were scars," said Zashou. 

Kaid glanced up at her, then back to T'Chebbi. 

"Had to tell her," she said. "Didn't realize she was looking 
on your back." 


Zashou got abruptly to her feet and left. 

Zashou got abruptly to her feet and left. 

"Leave it alone, T'Chebbi. She's no worse than Khemu was. She couldn't cope either. It takes a strong 
female to live with one of us. It's not her fault. Did you find anything 
else?" 

T'Chebbi sighed. "Think not, but difficult to tell with all that scarring. Scanner said nothing but traces of 
drugs." 

"We found new marks," said Jo. "On your forehead and temples. Some kind of gel that they hadn't 
wiped off properly. 
I'd say they'd done some kind of scan of your brain." 

"Or some experiment," he said quietly, heart beating faster as he realized his sickness could have had 
nothing to do with his Triad partners. "They definitely know we're telepaths, that's why we're being 
targeted." 

"Zashou's running so scared she's sleeping with us, and I mean with us," said Rezac worriedly. "You 
should have known her before all this. She was so different from what she is now. She lives in constant 
terror of what's going to happen next." 

"She was like this on the Profit," said T'Chebbi. 

"We've had over three years of this level of fear," said Rezac quietly. "No breaks, only fear. The time in 
stasis for us wasn't even as long as a night's sleep. One minute we were running from the palace guard, 
the next we were on Jalna with you." 

"Hadn't thought of it like that," admitted T'Chebbi. "Look, I have this problem with females like her. I 
know I have. Can't help it. They do nothing but mewl, never try to help out." 

"Don't underestimate her, T'Chebbi. She pulled her weight, too," said Rezac, looking over to where 
Zashou sat with Sheeowl. 

"Why two days for you and only one for us?" asked Jo. "Was it because you took ill when you were 
there?" 

"Possibly. How did they bring me back?" Kaid asked, taking another mouthful of the meat. 

"Heard a noise from the room, rushed in, and you were back," said T'Chebbi. "You were conscious, but 
only just, and trying to get up. They'd left drugs for you, all neatly labeled with pictures showing the 
dosage and what they were for." 

"Before you ask, they were printed and smelled of nothing," 
said Rezac. 

Kaid looked appraisingly at him. "You'll make a Brother yet. So I was conscious when you found me." 
He poured himself a drink from the jug on the table. "You said Link deprivation. I don't think so, but it's 
possible. As you say, it could have started while I was with the Primes." 

"They returned you when they thought you were stable," nodded Jo. "Makes sense." 

"I said it was like Link deprivation," amended Rezac. "In its final stages, and far more violent than 
anything I experienced." 

He nodded. It wasn't what he'd hoped to hear, but it could equally have been caused by them 
experimenting with his psi talents. However, he didn't want to alarm the others any more than they 


already were. "Could you identify 
the drugs?" 


"It's only a miniscan. Can't give that much info, even with Sholan drugs," reminded T'Chebbi. "Just 
showed analgesics 
and anesthetics, and a couple unidentifiable alien chemicals." 
"No psi suppressants?" 
"None that we could tell, and the stuff they left for you was to stop you vomiting and sedate you. We 


don't even have any psi drugs in the medikit. They took 'em out." 
"Yet they left me my wrist comm," he said thoughtfully. "Why that and not the drugs?" 
"They can take the comm away from you instantly?" suggested Rezac. 
"That makes sense, but what doesn't is why they're interested 
in us, why they took the M'ijikk in the first 


place. No Alliance member ever conducted a First Contact like this. It defies common sense. Their 


behavior toward us is no basis on which to form any relationship that depends on trust." 
"Maybe that's not what they want," said T'Chebbi. "Maybe they're just curious, or checking out the 
opposition if they decide to start empire building in this sector." 


Kaid pushed his plate away. He'd had enough. His stomach 
was still unsettled. "I need to talk to Tirak." 
He began to rise but Rezac beat him to it. 


"I'll go. You rest," he said. 
As Kaid watched him walk across to the captain, T'Chebbi rose and began collecting their plates to 
return them to the dispenser. 


"He feels an affinity with you," said Jo. "Especially now." 
Kaid looked questioningly at her. "Now?" 
"Your talk a couple of days ago, and because he saw your scars. People have to earn Rezac's respect. 


They don't get it for free." 
He shrugged. "My own fault. I walked into a trap. Not exactly something to be proud of." 
"Not the way T'Chebbi told it." 
"She's biased," he said, making his tone light. "We go back a long way." 


* * * 

Brynne had spent less time at the Retreat recently, and when he was told to report to Ghyakulla's Shrine 
in the temple, he was surprised to find Guardian Dhaika there with Father Lijou. 

"I've been telling Guardian Dhaika about your coin," said Lijou. "Would you mind showing it to him?" 
"Sure," said Brynne, fishing inside his robe for it. The coin now hung from a silver chain round his neck. 
He held it out for the Guardian to see. 

Being careful not to touch it, Dhaika examined the spiral-decorated face. "I've seen enough," he said. 
"Well?" Lijou asked of him as Brynne let the coin drop against his robe. 


"I've come to teach you to dream-walk," said Dhaika. "Father Lijou is going to help me." 

"I've come to teach you to dream-walk," said Dhaika. "Father Lijou is going to help me." 

Dhaika stirred, drawing Brynne's gaze to him. Without even trying, he could sense the glow of 
self-righteousness from him. 

"He's not ready. I told you that, Lijou, whether or not the God wants him." 

"Dhaika," said Lijou warningly. "The choice is yours, of course, Brynne. I told you dream-walking isn't 
without its dangers, but Derwent is not one of them. I dealt with that as you know. However, you have a 
personal invitation to visit the realms. That in itself confers a protection." 

So Dhaika didn't want him to goj and Lijou did, but wasn't putting pressure on him. His mind was 
suddenly made up. "What do I do?" he asked. 

Vartra had been right, he did recognize the route, though the colored light that took him there was 
different. Two ancient gnarled fruit trees formed an archway over a wooden door. In the center of it was 
carved the triple spiral with the crystal set in its heart. He reached out to touch one of the trees, taking 
himself a pace closer to the entrance. 
Beneath his fingers, the bark felt as rough as any tree he'd ever 
touched. Turning his attention to the door, he tried to remember what Dhaika had said about opening 
it. 

"Place your hand on the carving and the door will open," he'd said. 

Brynne took the chain on which he wore the coin off, comparing the two images. He wasn't quite ready 
to go in yet, despite the fact that the being on the other side of the door had rescued him from Derwent's 
schemes. He was curious, though, and almost without realizing it, his hand went out to touch the carving. 
The door swung open. 

"Oh, what the hell," he muttered, stepping through. "How bad can it be after Derwent?" 

He found himself on a path among the trees. On his left, a small stream tumbled over a stony bed, 
gurgling and chuckling as it headed farther into the forest. Sunlight flickered through the leaf canopy 
overhead. The scent of summer blossoms was in the air, and around him he could hear the gentle buzzing 
of pollen-gathering insects. 

Slipping the chain back over his head, he began to walk, finding the path sloped slightly downward, 
meandering its way through the trees till he came at last to a small clearing. In it he saw a figure he 
recognized from the night before. Clad in the same gray tunic, Vartra sat on a fallen tree trunk. 

"Now you know how to get here on your own," Vartra said. "Though you came through my doorway, 
this is part of Ghyakulla's realm. She's allowed me to meet you here." 

"Why?" Brynne asked, stopping in front of him. Vartra looked so real, not like something in a vision at all. 
He could see every detail, almost count the hairs on his pelt had he the time and inclination. 

"It is real. You are here, it's just a different reality from the one you normally inhabit. Sit with me." 

Brynne moved past him to perch on the log. "Why did you want to see me again? Couldn't you have said 
what you wanted that night?" 

"You wouldn't have taken it in then. It was something of a shock to you to come face to face with 
Derwent like you did." 


"You're telling me," he said with an involuntary shudder. "Where is he now?" 

"You're telling me," he said with an involuntary shudder. "Where is he now?" 

*** 

Brynne rubbed his eyes, finding the light in the shrine very dim in comparison to the sunlight in the 
clearing. 

"Well come back," said Lijou quietly. 

He looked around, saw Lijou, and knew Dhaika had left. 

"He's returned to the Retreat," said Lijou. "He'd done what was needed. I watched over you." 

"It's real," he blurted out, clambering to his feet. "He's real!" 

"Yes, He is. Rather a shock to realize that, isn't it? I had a feeling Vartra would be there. Ghyakulla rarely 
has any physical contact with us. The fact She used Her realm for your meeting shows that Vartra speaks 
for Her. What did He have to say to you?" 

Brynne's eyes glazed over slightly. "We need to keep faith with those we trust. It didn't seem to make 
much sense. He said that circumstances will make us want to doubt them, but we mustn't." 

"So much of what we sense is taken on faith," said the priest quietly. "Including our belief in each other." 

"What does it mean?" asked Brynne. 

"Exactly what He said it did. We must trust those we do trust. We're facing a time of trial when our 
beliefs will be stretched to the utmost, Brynne. Dhaika refused to listen to me when I said we needed you 
trained as quickly as possible. He couldn't believe that Vartra had told me this. Now the God has taken it 
into his own hands to make sure you get the training you need. Trust. Dhaika refused to trust me, and the 
Gods." 

"What's about to happen, Father Lijou? Is what I've been experiencing part of it?" 

Lijou roused himself and got to his feet. "It may well be," he said briskly. "Vartra gave us our own coin 
and told us to ready ourselves, Brynne, so we are. All the visions you've had form part of the picture, but 
where the danger will come from, we don't yet know. That's why we need you trained. Tallinu was 
perhaps the best of our visionaries, but he's no longer with us. You show great promise. Let's hope we 
find the answers we need through you." 

He felt his heart sink. "So I'm going to keep on having these dreams and visions?" 

"I hope so," Lijou said, putting his hand briefly on Brynne's shoulder. "Now, don't worry, you'll get used 
to it. Tallinu did. It's your calling." 

Brynne grunted. He wasn't so sure he wanted to get used to it. It was damned upsetting and inconvenient 
to keep waking up in a cold sweat because of some vivid dream in which he actually was the person 
rather than an observer. And no matter what Father Lijou said, there was the fear he'd meet Derwent 
again. 

Lijou's hand closed comfortingly on his shoulder. "The link between you and Derwent is severed, Brynne. 
You'll not meet him when you're dream-walking, I guarantee that. From the first I've made sure there 


were those close to you who could help and protect you, and I have personally monitored your training. 


Do you think I would let any harm come to you?" 
"I suppose you're right," he admitted. "What you're saying 
is not that different from what Derwent saw 
as my future." 


"As a guider of souls?" 
"Something like that," he said vaguely. "It certainly had to do with walking realms and dreaming." 
"It's coming up for second meal now. Why don't you get something to eat and take some time off to rest? 


You and Jurrel can return to the Retreat tomorrow. No need for you to head back today. You'll absorb 
what you've learned better if you rest for a while immediately afterward. Sleeping 
is even better." 
"I am tired," he admitted, letting the priest turn him toward the doorway. "And hungry." 
"Using one's Talent tends to make you hungry," agreed Lijou. 


* * * 

Day 19 

"She's causing havoc among the older males, Konis," said Sorli. "Six days ago Mayoi warned her if she 
broke curfew again, we'd appoint a chaperone. Granted she hasn't done that, but she's gotten herself a 
reputation among the students for being very available, shall we say. Ashok Cha-zoun is refusing to have 
anything to do with her, and wants the betrothal called off. Frankly, I don't blame him." 

Konis continued to look out over the Guild grounds. "What does his father say?" 

"He's prepared to keep the contract if you exercise some control over Kitra. The life-bonding can take 
place as planned once she's been medically examined to prove she's not pregnant. After the ceremony, 
they want her sent to their Clan estate until she's provided them with an heir." 

"Unacceptable," he growled. 

"You can't blame them, Konis. They want to be sure their Clan's heir is Ashok's cub," said Sorli gently. 
"Why didn't you keep her at home until she was bonded? Or appoint a chaperone? She might not have 
gotten so out of hand if you had." 

"If I had, she'd have run away, Sorli," he said, turning to face him. "Forcing her into this bonding has 
caused enough of a breach between me and my family." 

"I'm sorry we had to send her home, but you see my problem. She's disrupting the whole Guild. Keep 
her on the estate till she's safely bonding." 

"She's fourteen, Sorli. She's losing her youth to this family. 
It'll be a year at least till she can return here, 
you know that, and that's only if they allow her to return. At her age she has only the legal rights her 
family allow her, and that will be the Chazouns." 

"You arranged the match with them. If you had your doubts, you should have chosen someone else." 

"When I arranged this match, it was on the understanding 
the bonding would be in name only. Now they 
want an heir immediately! That's not acceptable as far as I'm concerned." 

"What do you intend to do?" 


"Resign," he said grimly, heading for the door. "This has gone beyond what is reasonable." 


Rhyasha flung herself across the door to Kitra's room. "Don't you even think of touching her," she said. 
"You've no one but yourself to blame, Konis. You said she needed to get more experience!" 
"Dammit, Rhyasha, stop being so melodramatic! I'm not going to touch her!" he said tersely. "What do 


you take me for?" 
"What are you going to do?" she asked, relaxing a little and letting her arms drop to her sides. 
"Talk to her. You can come with me if you don't believe 
me." 
"You be kind to her now," she warned. "She's been told by the Guild what the Chazouns expect of her 


and she's taken it very badly. She's still in shock. So am I." 
Kitra sat hunched up in a chair near the bed. She looked up as they came in, but said nothing. 
Konis sat down on the bed as close to her as possible. "Kitra, I've canceled the Betrothal. It's not going 


to happen," 
he said. "I'm not agreeing to their demands. It's over, kitling." 
She looked up at him, the short pelt on her face streaked by dried tears. "You canceled it?" 
He nodded. "There's to be no bonding. If you want Dzaka, you have him. I'll even take you to the temple 


now and sign the life-bonding contract between you." 
She stared at him, unable to take in what he said. 
"Did you hear me, kitling?" he asked gently, reaching out to take her hand. "I said I'd take you to the 


temple to…" 
"It's too late," she said. "It's over between us. He wouldn't have me anyway." 
"Of course he'd have you," said Rhyasha, almost as stunned by what her life-mate had said as Kitra was. 
She shook her head. "I asked him. He said I was too young, would still be even in a year. And I don't 


want him any more," she said with finality. 
Rhyasha shot a fulminating glance at Konis. See what you've done? It's too late to undo it now! 
"Think it over, Kitra," said Konis, squeezing her hand gently. "I'll talk to him if you want. Take a chance, 


do it now. Today. Just in case the new Clan Lord decides to make another contract for you." 
"What new Clan Lord?" demanded Rhyasha sharply. 
He looked up at her. "I resigned. You were right. They can't be allowed to blackmail me like this. You 


and Kitra aren't worth sacrificing for them." 
Rhyasha sat down beside him. "You resigned?" 
"What was I supposed to do? Agree to the Chazouns' outrageous demands? I had no other choice, 


Rhyasha." 
"You resigned because of me?" said Kitra in a small voice. 
He turned back to his daughter. "I had to, kitling. I should never have agreed to the Council's demands in 


the first place. Now, please think this over. I'll talk to Dzaka…" 



"No! I told you, it's too late," she said, wrenching her hand away from his and running from the room. 


Konis started to get up but his wife held him back. "Let her go. She needs to cope with this her own 
way," she said. "You really resigned?" 
"I sent letters to all the Council members. I've named Rhaid as my successor. She's unlikely to support 


Kitra's early bonding, but having made such a mess of it up till now, I wanted to be sure that Kitra got the 


chance to life-bond to Dzaka." 
"It might well be too late, Konis. She's distraught because 
he didn't stand up for her. You should have 
put Dzaka forward as her husband and damned the Council." 


"I couldn't, Rhyasha. He's gene-altered. There's no way he'd have been an acceptable life-mate for her." 


"Are you sure this is what you want? You could call their bluff and face them at the Council meeting, 
rather than go the whole way and resign. I'd be there to support you." 
"Thank you," he said, touched. "But I've done it now, and I don't regret it. Have you ever heard anything 


like those demands? It was supposed to be a bonding in name only till she was eighteen!" 
"I know. It makes me just as angry," she said, leaning against him. "I'm proud of you, Konis." 
"I'm not," he sighed. "I hope Kitra won't do anything silly. I think I'll alert Ni'Zulhu and ask him to keep 


an eye on her," he said. 
"Already done, Master Konis," said Ni'Zulhu from the military base by the gatehouse into the estates. 


"We were alerted by Mnesu, her bodyguard, when he saw her leaving. She's on her way to the Valsgarth 
estate." 
"Thank you," he said. "Let me know where she goes, please." 
"My bet is she'll head for Ruth's," said the security chief. "She's been there a few times—most of the 


younglings visit Ruth in times of trouble. If she's gone off in a state, she'll be wanting to talk to someone 
right now," he offered. 
"Let me know anyway." 
"Will do, Master Konis." 


* * * 

Day 23 

He crawled painfully into the heart of the bush, collapsing 
before he could turn round to conceal his 
entrance. 
Lying there panting, he could no longer keep his head up and let it drop to rest on his arms. 
He was tired, deathly tired of running and hiding, of being dragged by some strange compulsion to this 
mountainside. 

Gradually his panting subsided, leaving him just exhausted. 
His leg throbbed, a dull ache that he'd grown 
used to. Thoughts began to fade in and out as he drifted toward sleep or unconsciousness, he didn't care 
which. 

The smell of blood was sharp in the air. He sniffed, lifting his head, looking for its source. Dawn was not 
far off, he was vulnerable now. A figure, no more than a silhouette, stood between him and the false light. 
He rolled over, pushing himself up till he was on his feet. 


A raised arm came down toward him. "Stupid female, 
no need for this." 

A raised arm came down toward him. "Stupid female, 
no need for this." 

At the Retreat, Brynne lay paralyzed, caught in her dream memory as she relived the incident. 

Deep in the Prime ship, Kaid was similarly held, but for him the dream was laced with his own dark 
childhood memo-ries—memories that had been dealt with long ago when he'd first been taken to 
Stronghold as an unwilling recruit. 

The ground shook as the male landed on his knees beside her. Razor sharp claws grasped hold of her, 
penetrating her hide and ripping her clothing from her. Holding her fast, already naked and erect, he 
loomed over her. 

Whimpering, she tried to push him aside, but he was larger, stronger, and determined. Pinned to the 
ground as she was, still she fought him, feet lashing out as she thrashed from side to side, consciousness 
fading in and out with sheer terror. In desperation, she pulled her legs up, readying herself for a final 
attempt at a stomach-gouging kick. 

He lunged forward, his weight pinning her in an all too convenient position. Her cry of anguish as she 
realized her mistake quickly turned to a howl of agony. 

Kaid woke with a gasp and a start. He lay there, heart pounding, listening to the quiet breathing of the 
other three people in the room, wondering what had triggered such a dark dream. It had been many 
years since he'd been haunted by them. Killing his foster-father, Nuddoh M'Zushi, had been what had 
driven him from Dzahai village 
to Ranz and the Claws, made on outlaw of him. It had been why the 
Brotherhood, urged on by Noni, had sought him out. 

He remembered those days, when Father Jyarti, then Head Priest, and Noni had helped him to come to 
terms with his early years. The death of Nuddoh had brought to light all that had happened to him and the 
others in M'Zushi's care, and none of those involved in his case had blamed him for finally turning on his 
tormentor. But this dream had been subtly different, enough so to make him wonder if it had, indeed, 
been a dream at all. 

He yawned, putting it from his mind for now, and turned over, reaching out for T'Chebbi. It had been 
dark enough that he needed to feel the presence of one he cared for beside him. 

* * * 

At Vartra's Retreat, Brynne woke to find Jurrel leaning over him. Instinctively, he punched out at him, 
trying to leap from the bed. His fist was caught and held by the Sholan's larger hand and he went 
sprawling on his face, held in a body lock till he realized the dream was over. 

"Take it easy," said Jurrel, slowly letting him go. "I heard you cry out, that's why I came in. I thought the 
last week had been too quiet. What was it this time?" 

Brynne moved his face out of the covers and lay there shuddering. "I was attacked. I thought it was you. 
With the light behind you…" 

"I get the picture," said Jurrel, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Was it the same person again?" 

"No. Maybe. I don't want to talk about it." How could he explain he'd experienced someone's memories 
of rape as intimately if he'd been the victim? 


He began to push himself up, realizing he felt bruised and sore everywhere. He shuddered again, realizing 
the dream had been far too real. Jurrel's steadying hand was there to help him, but he had to fight the 
impulse to shrink from his touch. Sholans confused him, both sexes sending him the same signals, both 
equally attractive. It had gotten worse since Jurrel's partner Banner had arrived. 

He began to push himself up, realizing he felt bruised and sore everywhere. He shuddered again, realizing 
the dream had been far too real. Jurrel's steadying hand was there to help him, but he had to fight the 
impulse to shrink from his touch. Sholans confused him, both sexes sending him the same signals, both 
equally attractive. It had gotten worse since Jurrel's partner Banner had arrived. 

Jurrel released him. "Father Lijou will want to know about it." 

He slid between the covers, glad of the nightclothes he wore. "It wasn't important, only someone else's 
memory. It wasn't actually happening like the others," he said, leaning 
back against the bed head. 
"Someone nearby dreaming, that's all." That he did believe, even though this one had been different. It 
had been the same person, of that he was positive, but there had also been a brief trace of something 
else—a masculine presence that had never been there before. 

"Do you want me to stay?" asked Jurrel. 

"No. Go back to Banner." He could hear how sharp his tone sounded even to him. It wasn't Jurrel's fault 
he was finding it difficult to accept the arrival of the other's sword-brother. "I'm sorry. I thought the 
dreams were over, that's all," he forced himself to say, aware of his friend's hurt feelings but unable to say 
more. 

When Jurrel had left, he lay down and closed his eyes, wishing he knew what the nature of the attraction 
he sensed between them was. If he knew that, he might know how he wanted to respond. He'd had no 
such problem back on Earth, but here, among this sensuous, lithe-limbed, furred species, he was lost. He 
had no male Sholan benchmark 
to tell him what an appropriate response to these feelings was. This 
latest dream had made it worse, had turned the whole situation on its head and made a nightmare 
out of 
it. 

Afraid to sleep again, he got up and pulled on his robe, heading along the corridor to the common room, 
where he knew he'd be able to get a hot drink. He sat down at the table, wanning his hands on the mug 
before rolling himself a cigarette and lighting it. It tasted good, going a long way to calm his jangled 
nerves. Then he sensed Jurrel approaching. 

What now? he thought, ignoring him and picking up his mug to take a drink. He almost leaped out of his 
seat in shock as he felt gentle fingers touching his neck. 

"You're tense. I can't leave you like this," said Jurrel as he began to knead him. "You'll never get back to 
sleep." 

"I'm all right, I told you," he said, trying to pull away. "You know not to touch me! Go back to Banner." 

"Strengthen your shields, that's what the other telepaths do." The grip tightened, determined not to let him 
go this time. "It was Banner's suggestion I come back. Put your mug down and lean against the chairs Let 
your arms go limp." 

He did as he was asked, but kept hold of his cigarette as Jurrel's thumbs probed the knotted muscles. It 
was helping, 
he had to admit, though Jurrel was being none too gentle. 

"Who taught you this?" 

"Human massage? I worked with some Terrans during my last tour of duty," he said, beginning to work 
on the lower section of Brynne's neck, where it joined his shoulders. 


He stiffened, but the touch was strictly professional as the Sholan eased the taut muscles and tendons. 


"Relax. You're making it ten times more difficult for me. And lose the cigarette. You're not smoking it 
anyway." 
He did, and tried to relax, finding it possible if he shut his eyes and forgot who was behind him. The 


fingers moved, slipping inside his robe, beginning to work on his spine. 
"See? That's better, isn't it?" the voice purred gently in his ear. "Relax into it. Don't think of anything." 
The pressure was more gentle now, lulling him with the rhythmic movements. Waves of tiredness lapped 


through him. 
"You're trying too hard, Brynne. Trying to fit in won't work. All you need to do is be yourself," said 


Jurrel, his voice quiet, his touch almost a caress as his hands slipped over Brynne's shoulders. "You've 
been fighting your Sho-lan side for too long. Just be yourself." 
"I don't know who I am here," he murmured, leaning back against Jurrel. 


CHAPTER 9 

Day 24 

COME morning, despite all Jurrel's attempts to persuade him, Brynne refused to speak to Father Lijou 
about the dream. When Banner joined them for first meal, he added his voice to his Companion's. 

"He needs to know." 

Brynne looked across the table at him. He'd only met Banner briefly the day before, but now that he saw 
them together, he could tell that though both were dark-pelted, it was Banner who was actually black. 
Blue eyes, brighter than any he'd seen yet on a Sholan, regarded him steadily from beneath short, curling 
hair. 

"I know it's not easy," continued the older male, "but Father Lijou must know this person is female. If you 
can't speak to him, why not talk to Tutor Kha'Qwa?" 

His voice was deeper, too, thought Brynne, before catching 
the gentle amusement in his eyes. He 
looked down quickly at his food. "I can't," he said, feeling the blood rush to his face. 

"Then I'll tell her," Banner said unperturbed. 

"You wouldn't!" He looked up, shocked at the betrayal of his confidence. 

"One of us must. I can't see any problem. You were a conduit for the dream, nothing more. Why should 
you feel somehow responsible that you experienced it?" 

"It's what you are," said Jurrel. "Maybe in sharing her nightmare you helped her come to terms with it. 
Did you think of that?" 

Brynne looked helplessly from one to the other. He'd never been in a situation like this before. "You don't 
un-derstand. Somehow, I intruded on her memory. That in itself was like a rape." 

"No," said Jurrel, leaning forward impulsively to touch his hand. "Her dreams found you several weeks 
ago. This was just one of many. If anyone has intruded, it's her." 


Careful not to offend, Brynne moved his hand away. Touch, for him, was another way of receiving 
subliminal messages, and right now, he couldn't cope with Jurrel's. 

Careful not to offend, Brynne moved his hand away. Touch, for him, was another way of receiving 
subliminal messages, and right now, he couldn't cope with Jurrel's. 

"I didn't say I'd go," said Brynne, watching the broad-shouldered Sholan head for the refectory door. 

"But you will," said Jurrel, starting to gather their plates. "Won't you?" 

He got up to help, needing to say something to him on a personal level but unsure how to put it. 

"About last night," prompted Jurrel as they walked over to put the plates away. When Brynne said 
nothing, he continued. 
"We're friends, Brynne, think of it that way. You needed my company. We're 
each free to be with whom we want. Think Sholan, not Human. If you'd like my company again, ask me." 
He grinned, reaching out to flick a finger briefly across the side of Brynne's neck, a gesture both intimate 
and affectionate. "Or I might ask you." 

* * * 

"Noni, the 'car's here," said Teusi, standing at the doorway 
to the back bedroom. "They've taken them 
to the education 
hall in the village." 

"Damned younglings out on a lark," she muttered, giving a final twitch to the coverlet on the bed. "Reckon 
I'll be sleeping in here tonight. You stay close to me, lad. We'll find the one we want there, lay you odds 
on it," she said, making her way over to join him. 

"I wouldn't bet against you, Noni, you know that," grinned Teusi. "I'd lose nearly every time." 

"Nearly, eh? Only nearly? Cheek of you!" she said, waving 
her stick at him and pretending to scowl. 

He laughed and preceded her to the door, stopping to pick up the case in which she kept her first aid 
potions and balms. 

"They got caught by the crosswinds up near Stronghold," said Leohl, the village elder, as she escorted 
Noni to the room where the makeshift beds lay. Behind them, three younglings followed as helpers. 

Noni glanced at the table to her right where two bodies shrouded by white sheets lay. "Lost two," she 
observed. 

"Tragic, it was," murmured Leohl as she opened the door for Noni. "It was meant to carry four and they 
had six in it. These two weren't strapped in. When the aircar hit the ground, they were thrown out of the 
broken canopy. Dead when we found them, I'm afraid." She gave a gentle purr of sadness. "So young." 

"So drunk, probably," Noni sighed. "Ah, well. Summer's here without a doubt. They won't be the last this 
season. Anyone we know?" 

"Thankfully no. The craft was registered to a hire firm in Ranz. The Protectors are on their way over to 
question the survivors. They'll be here shortly." 

Noni approached the first bed, glancing over the unconscious 
female, assessing her injuries. Moving 
closer, she checked her pulse and eyes. "She needs to see the Stronghold 
physician when he gets here. 
Clean and dress those wounds in the meantime and keep her covered," she ordered 
one of the youths 


following them, 

following them, 

"Have you found the one you're looking for, Noni?" Teusi asked in an undervoice as Noni assessed the 
third and fourth victims. 

"No, lad, and that surprises me. I was sure I'd find her here." 

"Her?" 

"Did I say her?" She looked up at him, mouth open in a faint smile. "Then it's a female we'll be expecting." 
* * * 

Doggedly, with no idea of where she was actually headed, she kept pushing herself onward, no longer 
even caring about the force that drove her so mercilessly. No longer able to support herself on her 
injured leg, she staggered 
through the tall bracken on three limbs. 

The scents of civilization assaulted her nose and she realized 
she was nearing a settlement. One smell 
stood out from the others, its faint scent hauntingly familiar. She stopped, raising her head above the 
undergrowth in an effort 
to track its source. This was the trail she'd been following 
all along. 

The breeze changed direction, carrying within it the smell of stale ale and cooking, but not a trace of her 
scent. With a low whimper of distress, she risked sitting up, breaking her cover. She had to find the nung 
tree! The perfume came to her again, as the breeze once more wafted from her right. Turning her head, 
she saw the cottage, and the tree standing 
in the garden. Even from this distance, the pale flowers stood 
out like stars in the night sky against the dark green foliage. 

Falling back to the ground, she began to lope unevenly toward the house. Nearly there, then it would be 
over and she'd be safe. 

As Teusi brought the aircar down to land on the hard pad next to her cottage, she turned to look out the 
side window, ears swiveling forward. 

"She's here, Teusi. The one day in the week I go out expecting to find her, and she comes to me," she 
said in disgust. "Figures, doesn't it?" 

"Here?" he echoed, turning off the engine. "Where?" 

"How should I know, lad? I've only just arrived back, same as you. Leave my bag for now. You go look 
round for her, I'll get the house opened up and a kettle on to boil." 

"You got a prowler!" shouted Nunza, bustling up the roadway toward him as Teusi opened the gate. 

Hurry, lad! Leave Nunza to me. Take our visitor in the back way, I don't want that interfering old 
busybody sticking her nose into this business! sent Noni. 

With a flick of his tail to indicate he'd heard her, Teusi headed round the side of the house at a run. 
As Nunza put her hand on the latch, Noni emerged from the aircar. "Get your hand off my gate, Nunza," 
she said. "If we got a prowler, Teusi'U handle it." 


"He'll need a hand, Noni. A prowler's a danger to everyone. 
I called the Protectors. They'll be here 



soon. He should wait for them." 


"Interfering old fool! I'm expecting someone," said Noni, pushing her aside and opening the gate. "Likely 
it's her you saw." 
"Didn't know you were expecting anyone." 
"Why should you know my business?" demanded Noni, shutting the gate firmly. 
"Who you expecting?" Nunza asked, sidling along her side of the fence, trying to peer down the path 


which Teusi had taken. 


"No one you know! Now get you on home and mind your own business, Nunza! I got things to do, 
family to welcome," she snapped, turning her back on the gossip and heading for her front door. 
"Strange visitor that tries to stay hidden and sneak up on your back garden!" 
"Maybe she's just trying to avoid prying folk like you!" Noni shut her door with a resounding bang. Inside 


now, she made her way toward the back bedroom and the door out into the rear garden. 


Teusi was bending over a still form lying at the foot of the nung tree. "She's hurt, Noni," he said, looking 
up at her. "I think it's safe to move her, though." 
"Think isn't good enough, lad. You have to know. Moving 
her could cause worse injuries if you don't 


know what's broken." 


"It is safe to move her," he said, rolling her onto her back and sliding his arms under her. "She's got a 
wound on her right thigh. Looks like she's had it some time. It's badly swollen and infected." 
"Take her in and put her on my bed. We'll see to her there." 
"Wonder what caused that," Noni muttered as she gently swabbed the last of the muck and poison out of 


her patient's 
thigh wound. "Not a knife, or a fall." 
"She's got other small cuts on her head and face," said 
Teusi as he fastened off the thread he'd used to stitch the small wound on her arm. "And on her lower 


back. I'd say she's either been in a fight, or more likely, been beaten up." 
Noni grunted as she began to rinse out the now clean wound. "You seen her feet? And hands? Cut and 


bruised like I've rarely seen before. She's been traveling and living rough for some time. Still got a 
low-level fever." 
Teusi moved round to check the hands and feet for himself. 
"You're right. How can you be sure she's 


the one we're waiting for, Noni?" 
She looked up at him, eyes twinkling, nose creasing as her mouth opened in a slight smile. "I know, lad. 


Trust me. It's a feeling you get, a certainty in here." She reached out and tapped his forehead between the 
eyes. "A Tightness of the moment. You'll know when it happens to you the first time." 
"What's so special about her?" he asked, collecting his bowl and taking it to the sink to wash out. 
"No idea, lad. Not my business to know that," she replied, 
watching in approval as he refilled it with 


fresh herbal antiseptic then went to treat their patient's feet. "She'll need to rest up in bed a couple of days 
at least. Those feet aren't taking her anywhere far in that state." 


Keeza woke gradually, aware first of the soft surface beneath 
her, then the lightness of the cover that lay 
over her. It smelled sweet, of flowers. If this was a dream, she didn't want it to end. She couldn't 
remember when her last night in a real bed had been. 


"Get the soup for her now, Teusi. She's awake," she heard an elderly voice say. "No need to fear us, 
lass. Whatever 
you're running from won't catch you here." 
The smell of soup filled the air, making her stomach grumble loudly. 


"Aye, I reckon you are hungry," laughed the old one. "We were able to count each of your ribs." 
The voice sounded friendly. She opened her eyes, looking 
around. The first thing she saw was Teusi 
advancing toward her, a bowl of soup balanced on a tray. Instinct made her cringe back but he stopped 
dead, coming no closer. 


"I won't harm you. I've got food. You need to eat, build up your strength so you'll heal," he said. 


Heal? Her leg! She moved it experimentally. It hurt, but the pain felt good, not like the tight, dull 
throbbing she'd grown used to. 
He took a step, drawing her attention back to him. He was younger than she was, barely twenty, she 


realized. Round, low set ears were framed by mid-brown hair. Green eyes looked seriously at her from 
under slightly drawn eye ridges. She could sense his concern that he didn't frighten her, especially after 
the beating she'd obviously suffered. He knew! 


Panic flooded through her and she shrank back onto the pillows, painfully drawing her legs up and pulling 


her arms free of the cover. Before she could do more, she felt her mind grasped and held firmly. 
Don't be a fool, lass! If we meant you harm, why would we treat your wounds and feed you? The 
thought was scathing 
and acerbic. 


She looked at the old one finally, seeing the face she knew she would. It was just like the dreams, right 


down to the long snow white plait that lay over her shoulder. "I know you!" she blurted out. 
"Aye, and I know you, lass," said Noni. "Seen you a few times, I have. You've been sent here to me. 
Now stop being a fool and drink that soup. Teusi here isn't interested in you. He's got himself a young 
female in the village that he's playing jeggets with!" 


"Noni!" exclaimed Teusi, ears flattening to his skull in acute embarrassment. 
"Where am I?" Keeza asked. 
"At Noni's, just outside Dzahai village. Teusi, give her the damned soup before it congeals!" 
Teusi approached her and held out the tray. 
Cautiously, she took it from him. Her stomach growled again as she straightened her legs and placed the 


tray on her lap. She was starving and this was hot, cooked food, not raw flesh. She sat there, unable to 
touch it. 
"Eat," said Noni. 
Ignoring the spoon, she picked up the bowl and began to drink greedily. 
"I reckon she's well enough to finish off the stew we had," she heard Noni say. "Go fetch it, lad." 



A bowl of stew was placed on the tray. She stopped drinking to look at the stew, then back to the soup, 
unsure what to do in the face of such a choice. 

A bowl of stew was placed on the tray. She stopped drinking to look at the stew, then back to the soup, 
unsure what to do in the face of such a choice. 

She glanced up fearfully, then sensed the attempt at humor behind the old one's remark. 

You're a telepath, then. 

"No," she said, putting the empty soup bowl down. 

Then what are you? 

Tentatively she reached for the second bowl, looking over to Noni for permission. Having got it, mindful 
of her instructions, she picked up the spoon. "I'm…" She stopped, a stricken look on her face. "I don't 
know what I am," she whispered, ears lying flat. "I can't remember." 

"It'll come back, never fear," Noni said reassuringly. "Your memory's just missing for a few days, that's 
all. What they call you? Do you remember that?" 

As she spooned up the stew, almost gulping it down in case they changed their minds about letting her 
have it, she searched for a name. "I don't have one." 

"Got to call you something," said Noni. "Can't keep saying 
Hey you! can we? How about we call you 
Ghaysa? How does that sound to you?" 

"Ghaysa," she said, putting the spoon down to lick the inside of the bowl. It sounded right, had something 
of a familiar feel to it. "I'm Ghaysa." 

"Take her tray away, Teusi, and give our guest this mug of water to drink. Ghaysa, you sleep now. Got a 
lot of healing to do." 

She drank it and lay back on the sweet-smelling pillows feeling drowsy. Sleep she did, surfacing only 
once, briefly, as she heard Noni's angry voice. 

"You calling me a liar? I tell you, she's my second cousin twice removed's child, Ghaysa. Had an accident 
on her way here. Knocked her memory clean into next year, it has!" 

"Rhuna, you know we've got to talk to her." 

"Not while she's sick, you don't! What could she possibly tell you anyway? She isn't a prowler and 
wasn't anywhere near that aircar crash, so how could she know what caused it? You go back and ask 
the younglings that were in it what happened, and leave us law-abiding folks alone!" 

A loud sigh. "I'll tell the commander, Rhuna, but I'll be back tomorrow. You could save us all a lot of 
bother if you let me question her now." 

"Can't. She's had a potion to break her fever and help her sleep," Noni said shortly. "Now, good day to 
you!" 

She heard the door slam as she drifted off to sleep again. 

* * * 


"There seem to be two distinct dreams or visions, Brynne," said Kha'Qwa thoughtfully, studying the 
Human in the chair opposite her. "Those that have to do with this female, and another that involves what 
sounds like a medical 
area." 

"There seem to be two distinct dreams or visions, Brynne," said Kha'Qwa thoughtfully, studying the 
Human in the chair opposite her. "Those that have to do with this female, and another that involves what 
sounds like a medical 
area." 

Kha'Qwa glanced at him before looking back to Brynne. "It's good you had someone to talk them 
through with," she said. "I'm sorry Father Lijou isn't here to talk to you, but I know he'll be grateful for 
you bringing what was undoubtedly a very difficult experience to us. I think you're unnaturally susceptible 
to others' minds at the moment because 
of your new awareness of our people and religion. Once you 
progress a little further with your training, it should die down. Very few of our visionaries, and we have 
more than most because of the nature of the Brotherhood training, have so many experiences in so short 
a time. Most can go for months, even years, without being aware of anything 
out of the ordinary." 

"I'm glad to hear it," said Brynne with relief. "You've no idea how bad it can get." 

"I can imagine," she said sympathetically. "Do you know what this female looks like?" She asked the 
question casually, 
hoping not to alert him to her interest. 

"Darkish, I think," he said, brow creasing as he obviously tried to remember. "Sort of all colors—brown, 
and gold, and sort of orangy, with white as well. Longer-furred than most of you," he added. 

"Striking coloration," she said. "As I said, I'll pass the information on to Father Lijou when he returns." 

"There's trouble at the estate, isn't there?" said Brynne quietly, catching her eye for the first time. 

Startled, she looked away. "Now why would you think that?" she asked, keeping her tone light. Damn! 
She might be mind-dead right now, but he was hypersensitive! 

"I've been picking that up too. Flashes of danger to Carrie 
and Kusac. What's happened?" 

"Nothing at all," she said, beginning to get to her feet. "Not everything you sense at this time will be 
accurate, or even traceable if it is, Brynne. Some of our gifts aren't an exact science the way telepathy is." 

Brynne rose as well. "They're my Clan, Mistress Kha'Qwa. I have a right to know. Maybe knowing will 
help me pinpoint some of the feelings and dreams." 

She was caught, and she knew it. "Their ship is missing," she said. "Father Lijou is with their family now." 

"How long?" 

"Nearly three weeks. They've been searching for them since the third day. That's when we discovered 
they were missing. So far, there's been no trace either at the Jalnian end or Tuushu Station." 

Brynne stood there, too stunned to speak. 

"Dark news, indeed," said Jurrel. "They'll be calling off the search soon. It's unusual for it to go on so 
long." 

"They were on a U'Churian craft with a crew of Cab-baran navigators," said Kwa'Qwa. "Both species 
are involved 
with the Forces in the search, and we have even managed to place one of our telepaths on 
a jointly operated ship. When there is news, we will hear it, believe me. Every possible stone is being 
turned in our attempts to find them." 

"Let's pray they turn up," said Jurrel. 


As soon as they'd gone, Kha'Qwa went to the comm on her mate's desk, calling up the file she knew he 
had on the missing female, Keeza Lassah. Two pictures stared out at her from the screen, one taken as a 
convict, another while still with the Consortias, before joining the Shanagi project. 

As soon as they'd gone, Kha'Qwa went to the comm on her mate's desk, calling up the file she knew he 
had on the missing female, Keeza Lassah. Two pictures stared out at her from the screen, one taken as a 
convict, another while still with the Consortias, before joining the Shanagi project. 

* * * 

The past four days had been chaotic for Konis. He'd given up taking calls and had them all routed to his 
secretary 
to deal with. They were all about the same matter— his resignation as Clan Lord. He felt 
beleaguered. To top it all off, Kitra refused to return to the Guild and he hadn't the heart to make her. 
Thankfully, Sorli had been understanding 
and had spoken to Ghyan so their priest could continue her 
instruction on the estate. Now this! 

"You have to make a decision soon, Konis," Rhyasha was saying. "I've had to cut myself off, too. When 
they can't get you on the comm, they're asking for me. I've been told you even refuse to speak to 
Governor Nesul." 

"Later, Rhyasha," he said, sitting down in the informal area near her. "Lijou's on his way up." 

"Lijou? I didn't know you were expecting him." 

"I'm not. He arrived at the gatehouse asking to see me." 

"Doesn't sound like Lijou," she said. 

A scratch at the door, then it opened. "Guild Master Lijou," said Che'Quul, letting the Head Priest enter. 

"Unexpected though it is, it's nice to see you, Lijou," said Rhyasha, standing up to greet him. "Do you 
have private 
business?" 

"No, I wanted to talk to you both," he said, coming over to join them. 

Behind him came Miosh, carrying a tray with glasses and a bottle of spirits. 

Konis glanced up, frowning as Miosh placed the drinks on the table between the chairs. 

"Bit early for that, Miosh," Rhyasha said. 

Miosh backed away and began to leave. 

"You've news for us, Lijou," said Konis abruptly. "Don't try to sweeten it. It's about Carrie and Kusac, 
isn't it?" 

"I'm afraid so," said Lijou, taking the nearest chair. "Their ship's officially been declared missing. They 
were due to make a scheduled transmission before entering jump some three weeks ago. It wasn't made. 
We hoped it was because of a transmitter failure and that they'd already jumped, but they haven't yet 
turned up at their rendezvous." 

Konis sat and stared at him. He couldn't be hearing this. It was impossible. He had been convincing 
himself that Kusac and Carrie were fine ever since he'd seen the note about their missing ship. But now it 
was all too real, now that they were being officially informed—now that Rhyasha knew, too. At least 
Lijou hadn't revealed to Rhyasha that he'd known about the crisis almost from the start. Time seemed to 
slow down and he heard Lijou's voice as if it was far away. 


"Immediately we heard about the lack of communication, 
we, the U'Churians, and the Cabbarans, 
implemented a search for them. We've found some wreckage, definitely from the Profit, but not enough 
to cripple the ship. That only proves they had an accident of some kind, nothing more." 


"That's good," he heard Rhyasha say in hushed tones. "Tell me that's good!" 
"It's not bad, Rhyasha," Lijou said, leaning forward to pour two drinks. "It means there's still hope. They 
could have broken down and had to leave jump, may be sitting somewhere between the two worlds. 


They weren't on their own craft, they were on a U'Churian one." He pressed a glass into her limp grasp, 
then turned to hand one to Konis. 
Automatically, Konis accepted it, taking the neat spirit down in one gulp. He recognized the taste 


instantly. Arris. 
Lijou nodded. "You need it," he said compassionately. "We're doing everything we can, believe me. Both 


us and the Forces. We've combined with the U'Churians on one of their craft and it's currently traveling 
through jump on the same route in the hope they can find them. Don't give up hope, we haven't." 
"How long… ?" Rhyasha began, then stopped, unable to finish. 
"Nearly a week overdue." 
"They've been missing three weeks?" said Rhyasha, still clutching her drink. "Why weren't we told 


sooner?" There was a note of hysteria in her voice. Then she looked at Konis. "You knew," she said. 


"That was the stress at work, wasn't it? Why didn't you tell me?" 
"I told him not to because it was still early," said Lijou. "Konis found out by accident, Rhyasha. I didn't 
want either of you worried needlessly in case they turned up safely." He leaned forward to urge the hand 
holding the glass up to her mouth. "Take it< Rhyasha. It'll help," he said gently. 


"Nothing but finding them will help," she said tightly. "Why were they on a U'Churian ship, Lijou?" 


"Carrie was seriously injured on Jalna. She was hit by a projectile, a bullet, which is lodged against her 
spine. They needed to put her into cryo facilities to keep her alive." 
"Dear Goddess!" she whispered. 
"Why didn't they wait? The Rhijissoh could have treated her when it arrived," said Konis. "Why leave 


Jalna with them both in cryo?" 


"There could be many reasons. Maybe they couldn't stabilize 
her enough for the wait," said Lijou, again 
urging Rhyasha to drink. This time, she did. 
"Who else is missing with them?" asked Konis, finding his voice. 
"All the rescued ones, as well as Kaid and T'Chebbi." 
"Their families must be told." 
"They are being," said Lijou, turning his attention back to him. "Except for Dzaka. With your permission, 


I'll speak to him myself." 
Rhyasha's glass fell to the floor. It hit the tiles, cracking into myriad pieces as she suddenly stood up. 
"Excuse me," she said, turning and walking through the open doors into the garden beyond. 



"Thank you for telling us personally," said Konis, getting to his feet. He gestured toward the garden. "I 


have to be with her… You understand." 
Lijou rose. "Of course. I can't tell you how sorry I am to bring such bad news to you, Konis. .You know 
how much I've prayed it was only a communications failure. I'll let you know the minute we hear anything 
more." 


Konis nodded vaguely. He'd already dismissed the priest's presence from his mind. 


Lijou left the main house, having stopped briefy to apprise 
Che'Quul of the situation. While he was 
there, Taizia and Kitra burst in through the main entrance. Distraught, they made straight for him. 
"This can't be true, Father Lijou," said Taizia. "There must be some mistake." 
"I'm afraid not, Liegena," he said, reaching for her hand. "We might still find them. Don't give up hope yet, 


we haven't." 


"Mother needs us," said Kitra, tugging at her older sister's 
arm. "Excuse us, Father Lijou. And thank you 
for coming with the news yourself." 
He nodded, watching as the two sisters hurried across the ornamental inner garden to disappear into the 


lounge. Sighing, he climbed into his aircar. This was the part of his job he hated. It was never easy to give 
the news of a possible 
death to a family, but when they happened to be your friends, it was doubly 
difficult. 


He took Garras with him when he went to speak to Dzaka. 


"Return to Stronghold with me," he said abruptly, aware Dzaka was still coming to terms with the loss of 
Kitra. "Kha'Qwa would be pleased to have your company for a few days." 
"I have work to do here," Dzaka replied evenly. "Thank you for your concern and the invitation, Father 


Lijou." 
"I think you should come back with me," said Garras quietly. "Take an hour or two off, Dzaka. You 


won't be operating at maximum efficiency if you don't take some time off to cope with this now, you 
know that." 
Dzaka hesitated. "There's no replacement for me until third meal. I'll come over then if I may." 
"We'll expect you," said Garras, clasping his hand to Dzaka's cheek in an affectionate gesture. 
"If you need us, Dzaka, call," Lijou said, getting up to leave. "I like to think of myself as a friend of your 


father's. Anything I can do to help you, I will, gladly." 
"Just keep me informed of any news, please," was all Dzaka said. 


* * * 

The Primes eventually arranged an extra sleeping area for the Cabbarans. A door suddenly appeared in 
the back wall of the middle bedroom, allowing access to another room which had been fitted out to suit 
their vegetarian allies. Annuur moved his people into it once Kaid had checked it thoroughly for any 
weaknesses in construction that might give them a way to break out of their quarters. Predictably, there 
were none. 

It had been quiet for the past week. No one had gone missing and they'd been undisturbed by the 


Primes. Tirak was pushing Kaid to formulate some kind of escape plan but he was resisting. They didn't 
even know what was outside 
the rooms, let alone where on the ship or space station they were. And 
they had no weapons, not to mention there were nineteen of them from four different species. 

Primes. Tirak was pushing Kaid to formulate some kind of escape plan but he was resisting. They didn't 
even know what was outside 
the rooms, let alone where on the ship or space station they were. And 
they had no weapons, not to mention there were nineteen of them from four different species. 
. 
Kaid raised an eye ridge at him. "Uh huh," was all he said. 
The door opened, drawing all their attention to the arrival 
of J'koshuk and four Prime guards. The 


Valtegan stood at the door, surveying those present. 


"What do you want?" Kaid asked, not bothering to disguise 
his dislike. "I thought I told you to stay 
away from us." 
"I remember our conversation," hissed J'koshuk. "However, 
I don't intend to enter your prison. I'm here 


at the request of the Seniormost to take one of you for questioning." 
He pulled his lips back in a grin that 
showed off his many needle sharp teeth. "I'd choose you, but we got all we needed from you already." 
"You're lying," said Kaid, hiding his shock. "If you had there'd be no need to question us further." 
"Corroboration." The word was drawn out. J'koshuk gestured 
the leading two guards into the room. 
"You will remain in your seats," intoned the translator as they advanced. 
J'koshuk pointed to Jeran. "That one. Time I renewed more old friendships." 
One of the guards began to move to the table where the young male sat while the other covered him. 
Jeran got to his feet, ears plastered flat to his skull in obvious fear, looking over to Kaid for reassurance. 
"Just answer the questions," said Kaid. "You've got nothing to hide." 


"Wait! Take me!" said Tallis, jumping up. "I can help you, tell you what they've been talking about!" 
Rezac lunged at him but he side-stepped, moving hurriedly 
toward the door. "Kezule! They have a 
general from the past…" 


Kaid moved swiftly, leaping to his feet and managing to collide with Tallis. In the confusion, he tripped 
him up. The snap as he broke Tallis' neck was barely audible. Trying to support the limp body, Kaid 
looked up at J'koshuk. 

"I'm afraid he's hurt himself." 
At a signal from the Valtegan, the two guards moved to investigate. A blow from the lead one sent Kaid 


flying and, by the time he'd scrambled to his feet, Tallis' body had been scooped up and taken to the 
doorway. 
J'koshuk looked unblinkingly at Kaid. "I will take the one I chose." 
In Vartra's name, lad, use your eyes out there! sent Kaid. Tell them what you need to, you've 


nothing to hide. Getting back safely is your priority. 
As he passed him, Jeran's ears raised fractionally to let him know he'd picked up the message. 
"This one is dead," said the guard holding Tallis once the door had closed. 



J'koshuk wasn't surprised. He was convinced it had been no accident, but then, killing a treacherous 
underling in such circumstances was an acceptable practice among his people. How the Primes would 
view it was another matter. As they made their way to the interrogation room, the guard carrying the 
body abruptly left them. 

J'koshuk wasn't surprised. He was convinced it had been no accident, but then, killing a treacherous 
underling in such circumstances was an acceptable practice among his people. How the Primes would 
view it was another matter. As they made their way to the interrogation room, the guard carrying the 
body abruptly left them. 

The Sholan was incapable of getting into the chair, the guards had to lift him in. The restraints were 
clamped round his wrists and ankles, anchoring him firmly. He sat there, eyes closed, shaking as if in the 
grip of a fever. 

"Violence is not permitted," reminded the guard as he stepped back to his position by the doorway. 

J'koshuk frowned. He thought he'd be free to interpret the situation as he had with his own kind. 

"Your name," he hissed angrily, walking round to stand beside the chair. 

"Jeran." He opened his eyes, trying to twist his head round in an effort to see him. 

"Why were you on the U'Churians' vessel?" 

"Going home." He took a deep breath, obviously trying to relax. 

"They came to find you? I think not," said J'koshuk, moving round so Jeran could see him. He put his 
hand over the other's arm, letting him see the length of his claws, and their sharpness. "You're nothing to 
them, as worthless as the one they killed." He flexed his hand, letting the claws touch the Sholan's pelt 
and prick through to the flesh. "I remember you." He leaned closer. "Just as I remember the others. 
Where are they now? Like the one who tried to give me information. Dead. I'd say your rescuers don't 
look after you well enough if you keep dying. Maybe you're next." 

He moved out of sight again, making sure his footfalls were audible as he walked round the back of the 
chair. 

"Why did they really come to Jalna?" he demanded, suddenly 
appearing at Jeran's other side. 

Jeran looked him straight in the face. "You haven't got what you want from Kaid, have you? You 
wouldn't be questioning me otherwise." 

Without thinking, J'koshuk's hand reached for the controls 
on the seat, depressing the one that 
administered pain through the restraints. As Jeran howled in agony, body arching upward, a similar surge 
of pain hit him. 

The voices from the translator sounded faint but Jeran could just make them out. 

"A tolerance has been acquired by the priest. We need to increase the drug inhibitors. His attitude is still 
not acceptable." 

"See to it. Return the Sholan." 


He felt a sting at his neck, then the restraints were released. 
Coolness swept through his inflamed nerves, 
dulling the pain. A moment later, head swimming, he was hauled to his feet. Swaying, hardly able to see, 
he was half-carried along one corridor then down another, back to their quarters. 


By the time the guards stopped outside the door and pressed the entrance panel, he was beginning to 
recover his senses. The door slid open, and he saw their lounge. 
Kaid was already on his feet, glowering at them, tail swaying in short, angry movements. 


Before he could say anything, Jeran straightened. "I can stand," he said, attempting to pull himself free. 
He was released, and slightly unsteadily, he walked into the suite, the door hissing closed behind him. He 
turned and placed his hand over a portion of wall next to the door, leaning on it as much for support as to 
identify it. 


"The lock's behind there," he said. 
Giyesh reached him before Kaid could, flinging her arms round him, making small noises of distress. 
"Well done," said the Highlander approvingly, reaching out to support him. "Could you identify anything in 


the corridors, like elevators or access panels? How many Primes did you see out there?" 
"Never mind that!" said Giyesh, outraged. "How are you? Did they hurt you? What did they do to you?" 
Embarrassed, Jeran tried to disentangle himself. "I'm fine. No need to make a fuss," he muttered. 
"Giyesh!" said Captain Tirak warningly. "Contain yourself! 
I should never have agreed to allow you to 


come on this mission! I apologize, Kaid. She's young. Normally females 
aren't involved in missions until 
after their first mating, 
but I was asked to make an exception in her case." 


T'Chebbi came over with a fork and began to scratch the wall carefully around Jeran's hand. 
Kaid had released Jeran and was waiting for T'Chebbi to finish. "Her reaction is quite understandable, 
Tirak, given J'koshuk's treatment of Rezac." 


"Can move now," T'Chebbi said, stepping aside. 
Giyesh backed away, a frown creasing her black nose till T'Chebbi touched her arm. 
"Needs to report now," she said. "Before he forgets. You know that. Leave Kaid to debrief him, then 


he's yours again." 


Kaid led him to the nearest table, grabbing a comp pad and stylus from Rezac on the way. "Draw it," he 
said, handing them to Jeran once they'd sat down. 
"We're here," Jeran said, looking at the sketch they already 
had on the page. "So this room is where 


they interrogated 
me," he said, marking it with the stylus. "Looks like a medical area. They had a kind of 
chair with restraints on it." He looked up at Kaid, unaware that the other could read the echo of 
remembered pain in his eyes. "J'koshuk can control it, put some nerve stimulator through the restraints." 


"What's the room like?" asked Kaid. "Tiled?" 
Jeran nodded. "White tiles everywhere. Like I said, it looked like the medical unit in our mining base. All 
shining steel and white tiles. Bright lights, too," he added, looking back at the rough map. "There's a 
corridor there. Just caught a glimpse of it," he said, drawing one in just below their suite. "I didn't see any 



Primes other than those who took me." He pushed the comp toward Kaid. 
"There was one other thing, but I might have imagined it," he said hesitantly. "I wasn't gone long, right? 
One of the guards told J'koshuk not to use violence on me, but he did. I don't remember much after the 


nerve thing hit me, but as I was coming round, I saw J'koshuk on the floor thrashing around. I think they 
did the same to him. That's when I heard the voices." 
Kaid looked briefly at Rezac and Tirak. "What voices?" 
"Prime ones, through the translators. Said something about tolerances and inhibitors. That his attitude was 


unacceptable. 
I think they meant J'koshuk." 


"Why talk to each other?" asked Tirak. "They haven't before. Even Annuur and his crew noticed that. I 
thought they used communicators in their helmets unless they were talking to us." 
"I think there was someone else there. Someone not in a suit." Jeran looked from one to the other, 


shrugging his shoulders. "I got given a shot to stop the pain. I'm still feeling light-headed, so I can't be 
sure." 
"What type of scent?" asked Kaid. 
He shook his head. "Can't describe it. Alien's the only word." 


"What's the nearest to it?" demanded Rezac. 
"You're asking the impossible," said Kaid. "Some scents just are alien. He hasn't had our exposure to 
other species. Did they finish the session because J'koshuk used the neural 
device on you?" 


"I presume so." 
"Any explanation, apology even?" 
"Nothing. Just a shot and then they brought me back." 
Kaid lifted the comp pad and sat back in his chair. "They're being very careful with us," he said. "Not 


wanting to hurt us, even to the point of punishing J'koshuk for doing it. Why? Is it a blind for something 


else? It doesn't exactly fit in with kidnapping us from our rooms the way they've been doing." 
"J'koshuk seemed different," said Jeran, sure of his ground this time. "He was more like his old self. More 
aggressive toward me. And I couldn't smell fear until after the Primes zapped him." 


Kaid sat up again, frowning. "Maybe it's not us the Primes are interested in. Maybe it's the Valtegans. It 
would explain the conversation you heard. J'koshuk certainly did become less aggressive and more afraid 
of us." 


"I remember you telling him," nodded Tirak. 
"No wonder they're interested in us," said Rezac. "Attitude 
alteration fits right in our skill band. Hell, if 


they'd told me what they wanted, I'd have volunteered to help them! Those lizards are the biggest threat 
going. They just absorb and enslave every species they meet!" 
"Except for ours," said Jeran quietly. "They decided to destroy us." 
"After last time, they knew we posed their biggest threat," said Kaid. "We still don't know what the 


Primes plan to do with us. Jeran, what was J'koshuk asking you about?" 



"Why you went to Jalna. I don't think he's gotten any information from you, Kaid. Why ask me if he had? 
Whatever 
the reason for taking you telepaths, it wasn't to question 
you." 

"Why you went to Jalna. I don't think he's gotten any information from you, Kaid. Why ask me if he had? 
Whatever 
the reason for taking you telepaths, it wasn't to question 
you." 

"I had to kill him," said Kaid shortly. "He was prepared to sell what he knew to J'koshuk for protection. 
We can't afford a traitor in our midst, and he proved himself to be one." 

Jeran could feel the blood draining from his face, making him feel even more dizzy. "Dead? I thought he'd 
fallen like you said." 

Tirak began to growl low in his throat. 

"He was one of us," said Rezac, his voice hardening. "Ours to deal with. He threatened the safety of all of 
us, not just this time, but by trying to spread panic and undermining 
you and Kaid to the others. He was 
warned." 

"What if it had been one of my people?" asked Tirak. 

Jeran watched as Kaid looked at Tirak. "Unlikely, given the nature of your mission. You might have a 
couple of young crew members, but I reckon you handpicked them all. Tallis was a civilian." 

"You just killed someone!" said Jeran, trying to keep his voice low. "Like you'd stamp on a bug!" 

"Be quiet," said Kaid harshly. "He was a bug. The kind that preys on others' misfortunes. He didn't need 
to try and buy immunity from the Primes at our expense. He was prepared to tell them everything he'd 
heard us talking about. You heard him say that himself." 

Jeran subsided unhappily, aware of the truth in what Kaid said. 

"He's right," Tirak said abruptly. "Tallis was a threat to us all. Had I been close enough, I'd have done the 
same." 

"Our job is to protect you," said Kaid. "Tallis hasn't been completely sane since we rescued him. Even 
then he was trying to force us to abandon you in favor of getting him out of Bradogan's Keep 
immediately." 

Barely conscious, J'koshuk felt a hand grasp his collar, pulling his head up till he was almost choking. He 
coughed, sending spasms of pain through his chest. He tried to lift his arms but he was still paralyzed. 

Thin fingers fumbled at the back of his neck as an alien scent enveloped him. He sneezed violently. 
Abruptly, both fingers and scent vanished and he was left to fall back against the floor, banging his head 
on the tiles beneath him. 

"You were warned. You will be returned to your quarters 
till we've decided what to do with you," said 
the impersonal 
tones of the translator. 

He shrieked in pain as his arms were grasped and he was dragged to an upright position. 

From the corridor outside they heard the faint sounds of someone screaming. Jeran looked toward the 
door and shivered. "J'koshuk," he said. 

* * * 


Day 26 

Day 26 
d 
heard the dreadful news about her brother and Carrie, and since then, her father had virtually taken up 
residence in the household shrine. He'd done it before, when Carrie had been wounded during the 
Challenge. She went over to sit on the stone bench beside him. 


"Father, you must speak to the Governor," she said softly, reaching out to touch his hand. "He's been 


trying to reach you for days." 
"I've no heart for it, Kitra," he sighed, letting his fingers curl round hers. "I just want your brother and 
Carrie home safely." 


"The treaty is in danger," said Kitra. "If you let it founder, then what they worked to set up will die. You 
can't do that to their memory." 


He looked up, eyes glowing in the candlelight. "They aren't dead yet!" he said fiercely. 
"Then why shut yourself in here?" she countered. "Please, Father, see Governor Nesul and Father Lijou. 
They've been waiting in your study for hours." 


"I told Ni'Zulhu not to admit them to the estate!" he said angrily. "What right had he to ignore me?" 


"Father Lijou says there is too much at stake. He really is sorry to have to disturb you," she added. "I 
could feel him. He's very distressed himself, not just over my brother and Carrie, but about Kaid as well." 
"Konis," said a voice from the corridor outside. "Words can't express what I want to say, but we need 


you, my friend." 
He looked up, seeing Lijou. "You'd intrude on me even here?" 
Lijou inclined his head at the rebuke. "I can help, it's what we are taught to do as priests," he said quietly. 
"I don't want your mental sedatives, Lijou," he growled. "No one messes with my mind! I'll work this 


through myself." 


"But you aren't," said Lijou, his gentle criticism obvious even to Kitra. "You're neglecting Rhyasha as well 
as your work." 
Keeping a hold on his daughter's hand, he got to his feet. "You reminding me of my duties?" he asked. 


"I'd be worse than useless right now, Lijou, you know that." 
"You're wrong. The fact that your family is missing will aid our efforts to conclude this treaty." 
"Use my grief to take unfair advantage of our future allies? You worry me, Lijou. Your ethics are no 


better than the Brotherhood's!" 
"I am the Brotherhood, as are your son and bond-daughter," replied the priest calmly. "You would be 
showing 
our new allies that we're the same as them. That we care for our children and want to protect 


them from the harshness of the universe. And remind them that we are" treating their missing ones the 
same as our own. That's not misusing your grief, my friend." 
Kitra tightened her hand round her father's. "You must. It's what they would want," she said. 
Konis looked down at her, remembering she was there. 



"Your daughter is right," said Lijou. "You have a bright young adult there." 


"I have," he said, letting her hand go to put his arm round her shoulders. "I wish I'd realized it sooner. 
Very well, Lijou, I'll talk to you and Nesul, but Kitra comes with me. I'll let her guide me." 
"Out of the question," said Konis sharply. "Rhaid will lead the Council as well as me." 
"You must head the Clans, Father," said Kitra quietly from his side. "If they hadn't put pressure on you 


over me, you'd not have realized what was going on. Most of the Council respect you. Look at the 


number of calls we've had." 
"You're the only one with the breadth of vision to know the changes we need to make to survive in this 
new interstellar 
community," said Lijou. 


"And the courage to implement them," added Nesul. 


"Rhaid can do that." 


"Rhaid has overcompensated," said Lijou carefully, "since her time as Fyak's captive. She would return 


the Clans to the old ways, with males unable to hold office at all." 


"Nonsense. She'll come around. That's temporary, I assure 
you. She just needs a firm hand to guide 
her." 
"And who would guide her if she was Clan Lord?" asked Lijou. "She'd make an able second, granted, 


but not Lord." 
"Not my concern." 
"It is, or have you forgotten that young daughter of yours?" asked Nesul, flicking an ear toward Kitra. "I 


have kitlings, too. I'd not want Rhaid choosing life-mates for them or deciding the course of their lives." 
"You'll not let it rest till I agree, will you?" 
"We can't force you, Konis," began Lijou. 
"But we can make it damned uncomfortable for you," added Nesul. 
Konis growled. "I'll not do it, unless…" 
"Anything," said Nesul. "The Council has authorized me to agree to your demands, within reason." 
"I want Azkuu and her little pack replaced. I'll not sit at the Council table with those who blackmailed 


me." 
"Agreed," said Nesul. 
"Rhaid will be my acting Second. I want time with my family—what's left of it," he said bleakly, reaching 


for Ki-tra's hand again. 
"Understandable. Agreed." 
"My policy changes will be backed up by the law and made effective immediately. No more delaying and 


tracking upwind so as not to offend this Clan or that." 
Nesul sighed. "Very well." 



"Finally, I want backing on this matter with the Arrazo Clan. It's been put off too long. I don't care if 
Naeul's youngest is missing, so is my son. Naeul will be indicted for illegally incarcerating his daughter 
Khemu, falsifying records of her death, his treatment of her cub, Dzaka, and for denying him his birthright 
by keeping his parents apart." 

"Finally, I want backing on this matter with the Arrazo Clan. It's been put off too long. I don't care if 
Naeul's youngest is missing, so is my son. Naeul will be indicted for illegally incarcerating his daughter 
Khemu, falsifying records of her death, his treatment of her cub, Dzaka, and for denying him his birthright 
by keeping his parents apart." 

"That was something we hoped to deal with quietly," said Nesul. 

"I will not," said Konis, his tone hard. "This way, Dzaka will have the right to life-bond to whom he 
chooses, En'Shalla Clan or one of the original Sixteen." 

Nesul shook his head. "I don't think…" 

"Agreed," said Lijou. "You will do it, Nesul. We all need the support of the Clans. The Arrazo family 
may be liked in the lowlands, but up by Stronghold, it's another matter. You need the support of the 
Brotherhood and the Highlanders, 
too." 

"You push a hard bargain," sighed Nesul. "Very well." 

"Today," said Konis, getting up and going to his desk. Opening a drawer, he pulled out a sheaf of papers. 
He returned, handing it to Nesul. "The case against Naeul Arrazo 
has been ready for months. Send it to 
the Protectors today, or the deal is off." 

Nesul took them from him and stood up. "Today," he said, a growl of displeasure in his voice. "I take it 
that means you retract your resignation." 

Konis nodded as he sat down. "I'll stay," he said, closing his eyes and lying back in his chair. "Now go. 
I'll be at the palace tomorrow. You have my word." 

He sat there, listening to them leave, feeling a sudden weight on his lap as Kitra climbed' up and wrapped 
her arms round his neck. 

"By tomorrow, you could have your Brother your way, killing," he said quietly. "Think again about it." 

* * * 

Kezule remained silent within his hiding place in the heart of the undergrowth some hundred yards from 
the entrance to the estate. It was definitely the one he wanted. Security like this would not have been out 
of place at the Emperor's palace. All day he'd watched traffic come and go. Only two vehicles had been 
allowed to fly straight in; the rest had landed outside the gates where the passengers had debarked while 
the vehicle was checked and guarded before they were allowed to reenter. He presumed that within the 
right-hand building their identities and appointments 
were verified. 

Beyond the high wire perimeter lay a group of temporary buildings inhabited by their military. From there 
came the guards. Patrols seemed to follow no set time as far as he'd been able to discern. There were 
aerial checks, too, the vehicles flying out over the peninsula and remaining there for several hours. From 
his analysis of the hardware on the roof of the gatehouse, they also had satellite surveillance. 

The estate was also home to Humans and their young, judging from those he saw playing up near the 
guards' quarters. 
These beings knew nothing about bringing up young, he thought derisively. To let them 
run free like this when they should be receiving instruction, learning duty and loyalty, 
was tantamount to 
the adults signing their own death warrants. When they grew up there would be no respect for their 
elders, nothing to stop them turning on them at the first sign of weakness. He wondered then what they 


considered weakness. Among his own kind, living with another 
species, treating them as equals, was the 
kind of weak concept the intellectuals would play with. It was as well no one paid them much 
attention—at least in his day. 

considered weakness. Among his own kind, living with another 
species, treating them as equals, was the 
kind of weak concept the intellectuals would play with. It was as well no one paid them much 
attention—at least in his day. 

The dampness caused by the cooling of the air had made the ground underneath him wet, drawing his 
thoughts back to the here and now. He moved carefully, tugging his robe under himself till he lay on more 
of it. When the night had reached its height, then he'd move on, deeper into the forest 
ahead of him. 
Time spent checking out the security around the estate would not be wasted. He'd only have one chance 
to get in undetected. 

A noise from the gatehouse caught his attention. Night was falling and the lights were being turned on, 
illuminating the land both inside and outside the gatehouse. As it spilled over, almost touching his patch of 
dense undergrowth, he heard an alarm blare out. Soldiers spilled from the buildings 
to gather in lines by 
the gate. 

Hissing his anger, he began to back off hurriedly as rumbling 
voices shattered the stillness. Had he been 
discovered? 
What had given him away? Out of direct sight now, still keeping low, he twisted around, 
trying to remember which way the fallen tree lay. He'd seen it on his way here, checked it out as a 
possible lair in the event of pursuit, never dreaming he'd actually need it. Quickening his heart: beat, he 
triggered the hormones needed for speed and aggression, 
then checked the unit on his wrist. The screen 
was turned off. Cursing, he activated it again. He must have knocked it while adjusting the robe. It had 
only been moments, 
but it was long enough for one of their telepaths to pick him up. Diving deeper into 
the forest, he searched frantically for his own scent trail to follow back to the tree, realizing as he did, that 
if he could follow it, so could they. 

It was faint, but he found it. Getting his bearings, he veered to his right then leaped for the nearest tree. 
Clawed feet bit deep into the bark some ten feet above the ground as his hands grasped the thick limb 
overhead. 

As he pulled himself up, he risked a glance behind. His night vision rendered the scene as a surreal 
landscape of reds and blues. In the midst of it, he could see the heat mass of the Sholans heading toward 
him. Up in the tree canopy, he could hide his scent from them. Keeping one hand on the branch to steady 
himself, he scrambled along the limb to where it crossed another. He leaped again, clinging to the swaying 
branch with all four sets of claws, praying it was strong enough to bear his weight. Speed would help. 
The less time he spent on each branch, the less chance his weight would snap it. 

Hauling his robe up through the tie belt, he crabbed along as fast as he could, trying to ignore the 
swaying, looking 
for another thick limb in the adjacent tree. Down this time. He gauged the drop, then 
spreading his arms wide, jumped, landing splayed across its width. Scrambling up, he ran along it till he 
came to the next overlap. 

He managed to cover some six hundred yards like this before he was forced to drop to the ground. No 
matter, it had broken his trail. It wouldn't be so easy for them to pick up his scent now. Bearing left, he 
compensated for the drift from his course. The Sholans were not far behind, he could just hear them in 
the distance. 

Trusting his dark robe and the night would give him enough cover, he sprinted through the trees for the 
small clearing he knew lay ahead. Just beyond it lay the fallen tree. Heart pounding, breath getting more 


ragged, he dodged round thornbushes, knowing that to get snagged by one would leave traces of his 
presence. So far, they didn't know he was here, they only suspected. He misjudged the distance, 
overshooting the clearing and running headfirst into a mass of outstretched roots. 

ragged, he dodged round thornbushes, knowing that to get snagged by one would leave traces of his 
presence. So far, they didn't know he was here, they only suspected. He misjudged the distance, 
overshooting the clearing and running headfirst into a mass of outstretched roots. 

It lay under the center of the upturned rooted crown— a hole that went in some five feet till it was 
blocked by the remains of a broken taproot. Squirming in, he scrabbled with his claws at the soft earth, 
digging around the remaining 
roots. The soil came away easily, filling the hole around him as he dug 
deeper among the mass of roots. Within minutes, he'd carved out enough to fill the original hole and make 
himself a small chamber large enough to curl up in. 

Taking handfuls of the damp soil, he smeared it over his face, head, and the sleeves of his robe in an 
effort to hide his scent, and the smell of blood. Tugging his hood over his head, he let it droop down over 
his eyes. Above him, a tangle of roots provided enough air for him to breathe while still concealing him. 
He lay still now, quieting his breathing. 

Soft footballs and the sound of hushed voices approached his clearing. Eyes slitted almost shut so no 
moonlight or torch could reflect off them, he waited. The footsteps came closer, sounding more like a 
beast's than those of a Sholan. Then he saw it, looming over his hideout. 

A large paw came down square on the net of roots above him and stayed there, claws extending for a 
better grip. 

"I was sure I heard something," a voice muttered. The paw moved, sending a small shower of earth down 
onto his hood. 

Kezule had to fight the urge to sneeze. 

"You're imagining things," said a second voice. "This clearing's too open—nowhere to hide. Come on, 
we've fallen behind the others." 

"In a minute," said the first voice. 

The whole tree vibrated to each of its four steps, then it stopped for the space of several heartbeats 
before leaping to the ground. "You're right. Let's go." 

Hardly daring to breathe, he lay there, listening to their receding footsteps. No wonder they'd made such 
good time following him. He'd completely forgotten Sholans had the ability to travel on four legs like 
beasts. 

As the minutes passed, he began to breathe more easily, then risked moving enough to knock the dirt 
from his hood. He'd wait a few hours yet before venturing out. With any luck, they'd put the incident 
down to the imagination of the telepath. 

* * * 

Without warning, it happened again. First the sensation of suffocating, then the heartbeat. Kaid lay there, 
claws extending into the bedding underneath him as he fought for each breath, unable to move or cry out 
for help. With each beat, an image was blazoned into his mind. With each beat, the image changed, 


evolved, till,he realized he was watching an embryo grow. With the realization came the pain, the 
cessation of the visions, and the paralysis. They heard him then. 

evolved, till,he realized he was watching an embryo grow. With the realization came the pain, the 
cessation of the visions, and the paralysis. They heard him then. 

"No," he whispered, barely able to talk. "Let them take me, T'Chebbi. I need to find out what this is." 

She grasped his hand. "You come back, hear me?" she said fiercely. 

"I will." 

By the time they had him on the floater and in the corridor, 
their drug had begun to work. Exhausted, he 
lay there, gradually becoming aware again of his surroundings. The floater was being guided by two 
Valtegans dressed in the uniform of M'ezozakk's crew. Like the priest, they wore collars. Ahead of them 
paced the gray-robed Seniormost. Kaid tried to reach out mentally for them but he was far too weak and 
the drug had affected his ability to concentrate. 
Cursing, he suddenly felt the crystal begin to warm 
against his chest. He reached for it, clutching it tightly in his hand, praying. 

As they guided him into a large examination room, a flash of memory returned. He'd been here before. 
The aseptic smell he'd noticed when they were first brought on board filled the air. Subdued lighting made 
the room seem dim. He turned his head, seeing the examination table and treatment unit to which they 
were obviously heading. 

The floater was moored over the table, then gradually lowered till it was locked in place. The two 
Valtegans moved away and stood a few meters distant—passive, quiet, unlike any Valtegans he'd seen 
before. The Seniormost switched on an overhead light, instantly blinding him. More memories—of this 
light, of insect faces and long hands that prodded and probed, of masks that reflected the light back into 
his eyes. 

Within his mind, the heartbeat pulsed again and again, becoming faster. This time the image was of a cub, 
a cub he recognized as Kashini. With each beat, the image grew older, until it was Kashini as he'd last 
seen her. By now the heartbeat matched his own, throbbing through him as it intensified and quickened, 
giving him the same sense of urgency and danger it possessed. 

He moaned, shaking his head in an effort to be free of it. It was too demanding, too overwhelming in its 
intensity for him to make sense of it: all he could do was endure. 

"Why are you in pain?" 

He heard the Seniormost's voice but could see only the cub in her crib, sleeping. The image was 
continuous now, filling his vision as if he were actually there. 

The question was repeated. 

Others clustered around him, shadowy figures he couldn't quite make out. 

"You must answer us." 

Why wouldn't they leave him alone? Couldn't they realize 
he had to watch, had to find out why he was 
seeing this—where the danger lay? Gray-brindled hands came into view, grasped the cub, lifting her up 
and holding her close. Dzaka? What was happening to his son and Kashini? 

"Readout indicates mental contact with another," he heard the mechanical translator say. "Terminate this 


portion 
of the experiment. He will not communicate with us while this continues." 
"No!" he yelled, gripping the sides of the floater. A moment 
more, that's all he needed! 
Hands were laid on him, holding him still as he thrashed around trying to avoid them. In his head, the 


images continued 
as Dzaka dashed from the room, running downstairs before coming to a halt at a door. 
He felt the sting of a hypo and the vision ceased abruptly. 
"It's done," he heard a distant voice say. 
"No!" He fought them more fiercely as he was catapulted back to his own reality. "What have you done? 


What have you terminated?" He could feel the drug begin to course through him, turning his limbs leaden 
and useless, restricting 
his thoughts until he was mentally trapped within his own skull. It had been an 
earlier vision from a different viewpoint, he realized. Before they'd left Shola for Jalna, he'd seen Dzaka 
burst into the kitchen, holding Kashini protectively in his arm. Now the horror of the vision was complete. 
His son and Kashini were in danger, and he could do nothing. 

His chin was grasped and turned till he faced the Se-niormost. There were two of them, this one taller 
than the other. He'd never seen two before, he thought irrelevantly. 
"Why are you in pain? Who are you linked to?" 
Against his chest, the crystal pulsed. He knew without a shadow of doubt that Carrie was alive. 


CHAPTER 10 

Day 26 

"ARE you linked to a Human female?" the taller Se-niormost holding Kaid asked. "You must answer." 

He licked lips that were dry and cracked with a tongue not much better. "Why?" he croaked. "Why 
should I tell you?" 
"We have one such. She had been healed, but she does not thrive. We need to know why. Are you the 

reason?" 

So they had her. That explained a great deal. He blinked, and wished he could think straight, but' the 
drug had left him dizzy and confused. "Yes. She was injured. Was there another, a male like me?" 
"We found only her. How is it your link is different from the others with Human partners? You have been 

apart for sixteen days, yet only now do you suffer." 

They hadn't found Kusac? How long had she been awake? "I must see her," he said abruptly, interrupting 
the Seniormost. 
The hand round his jaw tightened, the armored glove pressing into his flesh, reminding him of its strength 

and his weakness. "You must tell us what we wish to know." 
"It's not the same for all of us," he said, praying they'd believe him. "How long has she been out of cryo?" 
"This is not your concern. You are here to answer our questions." 
"I must be with her!" 



"That is for her partner. You inferred the missing one is her partner." 
"We both are. I can help, if you take me to her! I have medical knowledge of her species!" He was 
getting frantic now, trying to reach out to her, but his mind was as paralyzed as his body. The pulse had 


to have been her—the image her knowledge of the danger facing Kashini. They'd been linked in some 
strange way for days if only he'd realized! 
"You cannot mentally reach her unless we permit it. Do not bother attempting. Why were you in pain?" 
He closed his eyes. Delaying them by lying could only harm her. "I felt her pain," he said. "Where she was 


wounded by the bullet." As he said it, an awful thought occurred to him. His reactions to her pain had 
been as intense as those of a Leska partner. 


"You are of different species. Explain this." 
"It happens to some of us," he said, numbed by the shock of his realization. "Our minds meet and link for 
life. There are three of us." 


"This must be studied. You will rest for now." The Se-niormost released him and began to turn away. 
"I must see her!" 
"Perhaps when you've rested." He gestured with his hand and the smaller one came forward to place a 


fresh hypo against his neck. 


Tiredness began to spread through him, making his sight and mind blur. He fought to keep his eyes open. 
"I need to be with her! If she's out of cryo, she could die without my physical presence!" 
"That is not your concern. She has survived till now. She is not in any immediate danger." 
Consciousness faded, but not his fear that he'd wake back in their prison, alone. 


* * * 

Long, thin fingers gave the device a final adjustment before 
rearranging his patient's dark hair and 
replacing the tool in the tray at the side of the treatment bed. Large, dual-lensed eyes looked up at the 
gray-robed Prime. 

"Adjusted now implant is. Properly to work more data needs it. Intended not for species Sholan. 
Understand this. Likely problems be," said the translator. Beneath it, the voice was low-pitched and 
slightly rough, vibrating like a musical string being stroked by a bow. "Wake him you can now." 

"Understood," said the tall Seniormost. 

*#* 

The Primes obviously considered leaving him in his room for two days his punishment as, later that day, 
they came for him, taking him to the interrogation room once more. J'koshuk had spent the days trying to 
think of anything that would improve their opinion of him, make him have value in their eyes. The thought 
of being implanted like the others filled him with terror. 

"You are to be given one last chance. I want information from this one," said the Prime, indicating the 
dark-pelted Sholan sitting quietly in the chair. "You will concentrate on him for now. Do not harm him 
physically. He was awakened 
and implanted three days ago. Pain may be used, but with discretion. You 
have five days, no longer." He handed him a reader. "These are the questions I want answered. Your 


wrist unit includes controls for his collar. This Prime will show you how to utilize them." He indicated a 
white-robed Prime standing nearby. 

wrist unit includes controls for his collar. This Prime will show you how to utilize them." He indicated a 
white-robed Prime standing nearby. 

He stopped, and waited. 

J'koshuk flicked his tongue across his lips. "She was on Keiss, at our recreation city. Unless she has a 
double, she should be dead. When we discovered she was a spy, General 
M'ezozakk gave her to me to 
interrogate, then have terminated." 

"Undoubtedly she has a double. Have you see this male before?" The gloved hand pointed to Kusac. 

He shook his head. "There were no Sholans on Keiss when we left." 

"You will question this Kusac about Kezule. We are interested 
in him." 

Kezule. That had been the name the one called Tallis had called out before he was killed. He'd forgotten 
about that. He inclined his head, then added Kezule's name to the list of questions. "I may do what I want 
to him, within reason?" he asked, wanting to be sure. From the list, he saw they thought Kusac was her 
mate. Whether or not he was, he could certainly solve the problem of the female's identity, and that right 
now was his own priority. "These Sholans are almost as difficult to get information from as my own 
people." 

"Within reason," agreed the Prime. "Just get us the answers 
we wish." 

* * * 

Noni and Teusi moved her into the back bedroom that evening. 


"Don't know how you kept going, girl," said Noni, watching from the doorway as Teusi helped the female 
they'd named Ghaysa limp over to the big bed. "Thank the good Goddess you knew what herbs to take." 
"Luck," she muttered, sitting on the edge of the bed once he'd drawn the covers back. Lifting her legs in 


was easier than she'd thought it would be. Her right leg had much of its mobility back now that the 


swelling was finally 
subsiding. 
The bed was cool, and as soft and fresh-smelling as the other had been. She lay back, pulling the covers 
over her and let herself drift off to sleep again. 


Morning brought with it a scent she recognized from her dreams. 


"The nung tree in the garden," said Teusi in answer to her question when he brought her first meal. "Noni 
says you're to rest up today. You can use her bed during the day if you want." 
"Maybe later," she'd said, tucking into the cooked eggs and meat. 
She'd slept again, till almost evening, waking in time to go through to the main room for the last meal of 


the day. 


"You remembered anything yet?" asked Noni, handing her a mug of coffee when she'd finished. "Try that. 
Human drink and very nice." 
It was good. "No, nothing yet." 



"What about the accident?" 
She wrinkled her nose, looking up at Noni. "Accident?" 
"An aircar crashed a couple of miles away," said Noni. 
She thought about it for a moment. "I don't remember any crash." 
"Ah, well. You just tell the Protector that when he comes tomorrow." 
Panic welled up inside her. She might have lost her mem-ory, but she instinctively knew she didn't want 


to have anything 
at all to do with the Protectors. "Why do they want to see me?" 


"They think you witnessed the crash. Just routine, nothing 
to worry about. Where did you come from? 
North, or up from the southern lowlands?" 
"Lowlands," she said automatically, then froze. 
"See? It'll come back on its own, so don't you fret," said Noni comfortingly. 
"I'm not worrying," she forced herself to say with a sinking 
feeling. Like a faucet leaking, suddenly bits of 


memories 
were beginning to return. Like making damned sure the Protectorate didn't see her. She'd 


have to leave tonight. But for where? She'd thought if she found the old one and the tree she'd be safe. 
Vartra's Retreat! It wasn't far away, she realized. They could grant her sanctuary there. She could go into 
retreat, work for them, maybe in their gardens growing things. After living off the land for so many 
weeks, she could surely do that. 

She stood up, faking a large yawn. "I think I'll turn in now. I'm still tired." 
Noni nodded. "Sleep well, youngling." 
On her way past the old female, she stopped to hug her impulsively. "Thank you," she whispered, then 


fled to the rear bedroom. 
Noni sat there contemplating her mug, wondering what this female could possibly have done to make her 
need sanctuary. She sighed, taking a mouthful of coffee, wondering if this— Ghaysa—was the one in 
Brynne's dreams. She'd done what had been asked of her, taken the female in, then sent her on to the 
Retreat. At least the carefully planted mental suggestion 
hadn't been noticed. Finishing her drink, she 
wondered if she'd ever find out what the purpose had been to this, or would she just disappear behind 
Dhaika's walls for the rest of her life? Not every encounter had an ending these days. 

* * * 

"Josh, what do I do about the Touibans?" repeated Mara, grasping hold of the newspaper her mate was 
reading and tugging it away from him. 

"Hey! Don't do that," he protested. "These papers cost a lot to import, Mara." 

"You're not listening to me," she said. "And the paper's over three weeks old anyway." 

"You tell him," said Ruth, ladling the last of the mushrooms 
onto the girl's plate. Putting the spoon back 
in her pan, she took hold of the offending paper, whisked it away from him and headed back into the 
inner kitchen carrying 
it. 


"Oi! That's not fair," he protested. "It's only just arrived! 
I haven't finished it yet!" 


"Not at my table you don't," Ruth's reply drifted back. "Just because you have a Link with Mara doesn't 
mean you give up talking to her." 
"You're ganging up on me," he complained, picking up his mug as Mara sniggered at him. 
"I was asking you a serious question. What do I do about the Touibans' request to join our Clan?" 
Josh sat up in his chair, spluttering over his coffee. "You didn't tell me about that," he said. "I know you 


took them for the tour around the estate today, but you said nothing about that. And I didn't pick it up 
from you, either." 
"No, I kept it to myself, trying to work out why they wanted to join our Clan." 


"This is one for Master Konis," he said. "They really asked if they could join us?" 
She nodded. "I thought I'd misheard them, but I hadn't. Anyway, I've got to see them tomorrow and give 
them some kind of answer. And I can't disturb Master Konis or Rhyasha at this time." 


"You could contact Falma. He's Konis' aide," suggested 
Josh. 
"Go straight to Rhyasha, my dear," said Ruth, reemerg-ing with her own food. "Don't be put off by the 
situation. With her son and bond-daughter missing, I'll bet she'd welcome 
any diversion right now. 
Master Konis went back to work today, so she's been on her own. And there's Kitra. Involve her if you 
can. She could certainly do with something 
to keep her busy. Besides," she smiled slightly, "Dzaka still 


does a tour up there now and then. Who knows what might happen if we present them with an 
opportunity?" 
"I'll see what I can do, but it might not involve me at all," said Mara, spearing her mushrooms with her 


fork. She felt really sorry for the young Sholan girl. The last few weeks had not been kind to her. 


"Why on earth would they want to join us?" repeated Josh. "I mean, surely they'd want to go home? 
What do they think they'd gain?" 
"Knowledge. They're motivated by knowledge." Mara popped the mushrooms into her mouth. 
"I know that, but…" He shook his head. "Alien motives. 
Who can figure 'em?" he grinned, reaching out 


to tousle Daira's ears. 
Ruth's fosterling grinned up at him. "You're the aliens here," he purred. 
"Finish up your meal, then go take your shower," said Ruth, looking in his direction. "You and Mandy 


have got classes with Ghyan over at the Shrine tomorrow." 
"You're not sending Mandy for her shower," he objected, 
getting slowly to his feet. 
"She's older, but she'll be following you shortly," said Ruth. "Go on, no dawdling now." 
He trailed off, tail hung low, ears flattened, looking dejected. 
"I'll bring you a cookie with milk if you're in bed in half an hour," said Josh, taking pity on him. 
Magically, the tail lifted and he scurried off. 



"He gets spoiled too much by those living here," said Ruth. 
"He's all right," said Josh. 
"The Touibans," reminded Mara. 
"Call Rhyasha in an hour," said Ruth. "After we've cleaned up here." 
Mara's call resulted in her being asked up to the main house. She was ushered into the lounge where 


Rhyasha and Konis waited for her. 


The greetings over, and drinks dispensed, she was asked to explain what had happened. As she told 
them of the day's events, Konis began to nod. 
"This is more than I could have hoped for," he said. "If we're understanding them correctly, then what 


they really want is permission to bring their whole swarm here and start up a new hive on Shola." 
"A hive?" echoed Rhyasha. "They won't let our Cultural Evaluation teams enter the hives." She saw 


Mara's confused 
look and began to explain. "Touiban swarms include their females, but they never leave 
the hives. We've only ever interacted with groups of males." 
"I thought they had cities and towns like us." 
"They do," nodded Konis, "but the hives are at the heart, and we're not allowed there. This would give us 


an unprecedented opportunity to study their whole culture for the first time. And all thanks to you and 
Josh. You're to be commended, my dear. You've achieved what none of us have been able to do in 
several hundred years." 

"I did nothing special," she murmured, overwhelmed by the praise. 

"Nonsense," said Rhyasha. "You've taken the time and trouble to be genuinely interested in them. They've 
obviously 
appreciated it." 
"It's not just me, it's all of us, otherwise they wouldn't want to be part of our community." 
"True, but it was you, personally, they took to. I'd love to handle this, Rhyasha, but I've got too much to 


do over at Shanagi with this treaty and the Clans. Can you see them tomorrow? With Mara, of course. 


Find out exactly what it is they want and make the necessary arrangements." 
"Of course, but I'm not the one best suited to this, you realize," she said. "My knowledge of the Touibans 
isn't great." 


"Kusac will straighten out any loose ends when they return." 
"Konis…" 
"He will return," stated Konis firmly, ending the conversation. 
* * * Day 27 
"Even if she is Keeza, what can we do?" Lijou asked Kha'Qwa as he escorted her to the waiting aircar. 


"If she's evaded all the searches so far, then what makes you think we're going to find her now? She'll be 
found when she wants to be found, as will Kezule. We're powerless till that moment. Besides, I think 
she's dead, eaten by him." 


Kha'Qwa shivered, her claw tips pricking his arm through the fabric of his robe. "Don't talk like that! 
Rhyaz thinks she's alive." 

Kha'Qwa shivered, her claw tips pricking his arm through the fabric of his robe. "Don't talk like that! 
Rhyaz thinks she's alive." 

They stopped at the steps up to the vehicle. 

"You tell Noni I was asking for her," he said. "I wish you'd agree to go to Shanagi's medical center. 
Much as I trust Noni, I want you to have the best treatment. There's still time for you to change your 
mind." 

"I am getting the best," she said, leaning forward to rub his cheek with hers. "Look, there's Brynne now, 
with Jurrel and Banner." She pointed across the courtyard to where the three males were walking. "I 
knew Jurrel would be good for him. See, they're laughing. When did you see him laugh before, or allow 
another to touch him?" she added as Jurrel draped an affectionate arm across Brynne's shoulders 
and 
drew his attention to a small group sitting on a grassy mound at the side of the wall. 

"So complex, these Humans," murmured Lijou, watching as the three joined the others. "Too many 
inhibitions, and it takes them so long to lose them." 

"Brynne was a special case. The day he set down on Shola, he Linked to Vanna. He had no chance to 
get to know us as a species before being tied in an unbreakable relationship. At least this one is of his 
choosing." 

"You try to twin people too often," Lijou said affectionately. 
"Just watch you don't get it wrong one 
day." 

"I have a good success rate," she purred, nuzzling him under his chin. "I chose you for me, after all." 

"I know, and I'm glad you did," he said, tilting his chin up and enjoying the caress. "As a mere priest, I'd 
never have had the nerve to approach a warrior like you otherwise." 

"Mere priest indeed! In you, strength and compassion go hand in hand," she said, moving back from him 
and turning toward the aircar. "I must go. Noni's expecting me." 

"Take care," he said. 

-# * * 
She'd reached the Retreat by the time dawn's light hit the horizon. The land was rugged around the 
temple, built as it was into the side of the mountain. There'd be many more caves and crevices like this in 
which she could hide. It was cold, though, this high up. The plains had been warmer, but the couple of 
days at the old one's house had given her her strength and most of her health back. 

The fever was gone, and the wound on her thigh was beginning to knit at last. She leaned forward, 
fingering the dressing. Suddenly she was back there in the forest with him, feeling his hands holding her 
tightly about the thighs as he pulled her closer. She struggled, whimpering with fear as she tried to 
scrabble backward away from him. The hands tightened, claws penetrating her hide, cutting her almost 
to the bone as he tried to mount her. 

Pain lanced through her leg, breaking the trance, returning 
her to the present. She'd managed to sink her 
claws into the wound, she realized, watching tiny pinpricks of blood welling up through the dressing. That 
was what had brought her back. 


She shivered, wrapping the blanket she'd stolen from Noni round her. It wasn't her way to repay 
kindness with theft, but she'd had no choice. The taste of civilized life had softened her: she could no 
longer face living that rough again. 

She shivered, wrapping the blanket she'd stolen from Noni round her. It wasn't her way to repay 
kindness with theft, but she'd had no choice. The taste of civilized life had softened her: she could no 
longer face living that rough again. 

And others, of a male in robes edged with purple. A telepath. She tried to remember more, focusing on 
him. They'd landed in a clearing. Her captor had been angry with the telepath, she remembered that. 
He'd hit him, hard, just like he'd hit her many times. Reflexively, she put her hand to her head, feeling old 
scars and still tender spots. No, not like he'd hit her, because he'd killed the telepath, then taken his spare 
clothing. 

Her head hurt now, with so much remembering. She lay down, wanting to sleep. Her feet hurt too. She 
wondered again why she was here as she began to drift off to sleep. 

* * * 

When Kaid came to, he found himself not back with the others as he'd feared, but in another, smaller 
room. Hunger growled deep in his belly. They'd kept him drugged for some time. He moved, discovering 
he was free to climb out of the bed on which he lay and move around the room. This bed was high, 
totally unlike the ones in their living quarters. And there was no discernible door—all the walls seemed 
the same until he approached one and it began to de-opaque, giving him a view into the next room. 

Carrie lay supported on a cradle, bathed in an eerie blue glow from a force field of some kind. As he 
watched, two gray-robed Primes, followed by one in white, came into view and began to work with the 
console by her head. Were they the same two he'd seen? One did look to be smaller. The glow 
surrounding Carrie started to flicker and fade. Around his neck, the crystal began to warm and in his 
mind, he felt the now familiar pulse. This time there was no pain, no difficulty breathing, only the pulse. 

He felt her scream begin to build in his mind long before her mouth opened and she started to whimper. 

Against his chest, the crystal felt as if it was incandescent. He pounded on the wall, desperate to attract 
her attention—
or theirs. Then he remembered what he was, what they shared, and reached mentally for 
her. Like a swimmer afraid of drowning, his mind was seized and almost submerged 
by hers. Incoherent 
terror rushed through him, threatening to take him down with her. He needed all the strength of his mental 
disciplines to fight back and contain her, and he knew he couldn't hold her for long. He continued 
beating on the wall, shouting to the Primes, even though he knew it was futile. 

"Leave her! Let me wake her! You're risking her sanity doing this!" Even as he cried out, the field around 
her darkened and her scream began to fade, as did her presence in his mind. 

He sagged against the wall in relief. They'd heard him and realized what was happening to her. Now he 
could try to take in the fact that she really was alive. Against all odds, she-was alive! His vision blurred 
and he put up a hand to his eyes, surprised to find them damp with tears. A movement from the room 
caught his attention as the smaller Prime turned toward him. Against his shoulder, the wall seemed to 
quiver, then move. Staggering back, he watched the section he'd been leaning against begin to slide open. 

Hesitantly, he stepped into the room. It was cold, the air chill on his unclothed pelt. 

"You will wake her," said the translator. "You will then take her to your room. Food will be left for you. 
See that she eats. We will question her later." He turned and began to walk from the room. 


"Not if I can help it," he murmured before approaching the remaining Primes at the console, and Carrie. 

"Not if I can help it," he murmured before approaching the remaining Primes at the console, and Carrie. 

"What have you done to her?" he demanded, moving closer, anger trying to force back the sudden fear 
that she might yet die. 

"We healed her, but she does not thrive. We told you this. Do not touch her till I tell you it is safe." 

Again the light faded, but this time it dimmed more quickly around her head and upper torso. The 
white-robed one stepped forward and put a hypo to her neck just as she began to stir. The tension left 
her body and she went limp, head rolling toward him as the drug took effect. 

"She will sleep for a short time, then wake. Take her and go." 

He hesitated, afraid of what would happen to them when he touched her, afraid it was what he wanted. 

"Take her." 

He moved forward, picking her up in his arms, cradling her close against his chest. In his mind, her 
presence began to grow, but only to the level it had been before. He sighed with relief. Maybe he'd been 
wrong about their Link. 

He breathed in her scent, smelling the alien drugs that still clung to her skin, and more. Eyes blazing, he 
looked up at them. "You've removed her contraceptive implant," he snarled. 

"She is your mate. What need had she of such chemicals? They interfered with our treatment." 

"Take your mate and leave," said the gray. "Be thankful we found her." 

Tightening his grip on her, he backed off, almost stumbling 
in his haste to leave the stasis room. His mind 
was reeling with the implications of what they'd done. The opening slid shut behind him, opaquing the wall 
again until they were alone. Carefully, he laid her on the bed, pulling the cover over her, his hand lingering 
on her cheek. It was like a physical pain to stop touching her, but he had to. 

Food, in insulated bowls, had already been left on the night table. They obviously expected her to wake 
very shortly. He went over to the far wall and squatted down, leaning back against it. Right now, he 
needed to think. She was there, in his mind again, a part of him that he couldn't ignore. He'd gone from 
thinking her dead to this; he should be ecstatic, but he wasn't, because no matter what the Primes said, he 
knew why they'd removed her implant. They wanted her pregnant, like Jo. 

His anger rose again. They had to escape as soon as possible, no matter the cost. The Primes had no 
intention of freeing them, he was sure of it now, and he had no intention of letting them breed his people 
like slaves. They were being treated like experimental animals! How could he pair with Carrie and make 
her pregnant under these circumstances—and how would she survive the lack of Kusac if he didn't? 

In his mind, he could almost hear Vartra's sardonic laugh. 

"Some things are not dependent on me, Tallinu. That rather depends on your actions, doesn't it? Cubs 
are Ghyakulla's gift to us all." 

The memory triggered more, like a string of beads that had come undone and were tumbling free. His 
obsession with Carrie had been his alone, no one had gifted it to him. Vartra had told him that. He knew 
now that the pulse, or heartbeat he'd heard had been his memory of the long, drugged trip from the 


monastery to Stronghold when, as a diree year old, he'd lain with his head on Carrie's belly, listening to 
the heartbeat of her unborn cub, Kashini. That was when his desire for Carrie had been forged. With 
unforgiving 
clarity, he faced the fact that it was then he'd decided the next cub she carried in her belly 
would be his. 

monastery to Stronghold when, as a diree year old, he'd lain with his head on Carrie's belly, listening to 
the heartbeat of her unborn cub, Kashini. That was when his desire for Carrie had been forged. With 
unforgiving 
clarity, he faced the fact that it was then he'd decided the next cub she carried in her belly 
would be his. 

Through the pounding in his head, his thoughts turned back to Carrie's current condition. 

She should have started to wake by now, surely. Tiredly, he got to his feet and went over to check on 
her. She looked so frail that it caught at his breath. Even as he touched her for reassurance, he felt the 
pulse of his headache 
change, felt the swirling power of the gestalt begin to slowly build. 

He'd have recoiled in fear if Carrie hadn't stirred and grasped his hand. Their eyes met, and as they did, 
so did their minds. 

Senses expanded, and as his heartbeat increased with the pounding of the pulse that echoed through 
them both now, her scent, more potent than any aphrodisiac, overwhelmed him. 

She knew everything. "You want to share your cubs with me." Her voice was quiet, rougher than he 
remembered. 

He'd nowhere to hide any longer, not even from himself. "Yes," he whispered, though it tore him apart to 
admit it to her. "I'm not Kusac, Carrie. I'm not trying to replace him, but I don't want to be second…" 

Her hand tightened on his. "Never that, Tallinu," she whispered, shifting her head so she could look up at 
him. "Kusac will always be my passion, but you're my rock, my stability from the first. I love you for 
that." 

"I can't father another bastard cub, Carrie. I can't do that to us!" But he let her urge him closer till their 
lips touched and he felt the Link compulsion start to build. 

It wouldn't be. The Triad's registered at the temple. We're life-mates, too. 
We didn't make vows, didn't share our blood. 
She bit down hard on his lip, making him yelp and pull free at the sudden pain. Bite me, she sent. 
/ can't! Distracted, he touched a finger to his lip, feeling it begin to swell. 
She lifted his hand to her mouth, closing her lips round the fingertip, purposely triggering his claw. He 


tried to pull it free, but the claw caught, cutting her. Then she released 
him. 
"Kiss me!" 
He did, tasting their blood as it mingled on their tongues and lips. 
Now we're of one blood, she sent. 
We're of one blood, he agreed, trembling as the pulse grew stronger before exploding in a surge of 


energy they knew was the gestalt. Already their minds were merging, becoming one. He hadn't much time 
left he realized, seizing control of the gestalt and trying to hold onto his own identity. 


Will you share this cub with me, Carrie? he sent, not trusting his voice. 

Will you share this cub with me, Carrie? he sent, not trusting his voice. 

Moving the cover aside, he eased himself onto the bed beside her. Seeing her move, about to turn round, 
he caught her shoulder, holding her back. 

"Not this time," he said hoarsely, as he knelt. "I want to see you, watch your face." 

Looming over her, he untied her sleeping wrap, pushing it aside as he drew trembling hands down her 
ribs. He felt the bullet scar and stopped, checking it with gentle fingers. There was barely a trace of the 
life-threatening wound. Whatever the Primes had done, they'd saved her life, and for that he was grateful. 

He kissed the soft flesh of her belly, caressing it before drawing the gentle tip of his tongue across her as 
he reached for her hips. Leaning forward, ready to join with her, ready to let go of the tenuous control he 
had on the gestalt and their Link, he stopped, afraid he was taking advantage of Kusac's absence. 

"We need each other to live," she whispered, her hand closing on his arm. "En'Shalla. Let it happen, 
Tallinu." 

He let go. The beat pulsed once more, sending fire coruscating 
through bodies and minds as they were 
swept up together. There was no him, only them as he simultaneously felt himself moving within her and 
experienced her flesh being penetrated by his. It was too much, too intense: they had to stop, but 
couldn't. They became one entity, swirling in a sea of shared sensations. 

Just as it seemed they could bear no more, the explosion of relief came and he was himself again, 
clutching her shuddering 
body against his. He caught his breath, supporting her as he lowered them to 
the bed. There was no need for words, she was there, in his consciousness, part of the fabric of his mind. 

He felt her retreat a little from him, start building a shield he'd never sensed before, knowing instantly that 
it was the means she and Kusac used to give themselves mental 
privacy. He felt her wave of sadness 
that she quickly suppressed. 

Do the same, she sent. Set it where you will, then you're in control of how much of your thoughts I 
know. 

The sheer amount of information passing between them confused and fascinated him. He knew from 
moment to moment how she felt, what she was thinking. 

Not yet, he sent, sliding his hand across her belly as he watched her from half-closed eyes. "I'll know 
when," he whispered, remembering the vision of their daughter's birth. Now he could see the mother's 
face, and it was Carrie's. 
"I've feared and wanted this for so long." Then his hand tightened briefly and 
he released her only to take her into his arms, kissing and caressing her. 

It's done. We'll find Kusac, Carrie. I won't stop till we do, believe me. I'm getting us off this ship as 
soon as possible. Our daughter will not be born into captivity, I swear. 

* * * 

Hands bound behind him, Kusac was dragged by J'ko-shuk toward a large window that gave onto the 
room next door. The hand holding his scruff pulled his head painfully back, claws gouging his flesh as he 
was hauled to a stop. "Look, even now they betray you in this act of reproduction!" He looked, seeing 
enough to know that one of the two figures in the bed was Carrie. She was alive, then. He supposed 
he 
was glad but he felt nothing. The other—was Sho



Ian, that was all he could tell. He turned his head aside, feeling divorced from everything around him. He 
had felt this way since they'd awakened him. He didn't even try to reach for her mentally, he knew the 
pain it caused him because of the collar. 

Ian, that was all he could tell. He turned his head aside, feeling divorced from everything around him. He 
had felt this way since they'd awakened him. He didn't even try to reach for her mentally, he knew the 
pain it caused him because of the collar. 

"You'll watch till I say otherwise! That is your mate, linked mentally to you! Would you die for them 
now? You're a bigger fool than I thought!" 

Kusac closed his eyes. It had to be Kaid. He was the only one other than himself who could keep her 
alive. At least they had each other. Vaguely, he wondered why he still lived. 

"Say something!" hissed the enraged Valtegan. 

He chose to ignore the command. He could never tell whether an answer or silence was expected. Either 
at the wrong time would bring the same punishment. Somewhere, deep inside, where the drugs and their 
device hadn't yet reached, he ached to be with them. 

How could he ignore what was going on before his eyes? Pkoshuk was angry beyond measure with his 
captive. He'd expected some reaction. If one of his people had witnessed such a betrayal, he'd have torn 
the window down in an effort to reach the male and kill him! 

He raised his hand to hit him, then remembered the Prime's directive and lowered it, letting the Sholan go. 
Reaching for his wrist unit, he activated the control once, holding it down for the space of two counts. 

The male fell heavily to his knees before crumpling to the floor. 

That wasn't the effect it had had before. J'koshuk was about to press it again when the white-robed 
Prime behind him stepped forward and grasped his hand, preventing him. 

"You have overused it. It is ineffective for now. He has become numbed by the pain. Return him to his 
cell." 

"You do it," snapped J'koshuk, taking a risk. He needed to know what his status was, if he had standing 
among them. This white-robed Prime was obviously of lesser rank than the grays. "I've his answers to 
process for the Se-niormost. I haven't the time to do your job." 

There was the usual short silence, then: "I will return him," said the Prime, motioning J'koshuk to one side 
with his pistol. 

Satisfied, he moved. Now he had an idea of where he stood. He left the room, heading back up the 
corridor that flanked the medical section till he reached the junction leading to the interrogation room on 
his left, the captives from the M'ijikk and his own quarters on the right. Activating 
the lock, he went in, 
going to the nourishment unit to fetch himself a drink. 

He settled himself at the desk, opening the drawer to take out some paper and a stylus. Putting his reader 
down, he sat back, letting his anger dissipate. So far, he'd given the Primes most of the answers they'd 
requested. Some had been beyond him as his captives didn't have that information 
themselves. He 
sipped the herbal drink, picking up his last summary of information from the Valtegan captives. A picture 
was beginning, very slowly, to emerge, and he wanted to understand it. Understanding would give him an 
advantage, and an advantage would lead to consolidating his position here. He might still be a prisoner, 
but he was at least the most valued and trusted one. He aimed to keep it that way. 


The Primes had no interest whatsoever, as far as he could discern, in the U'Churians and the Cabbarans 
other than keeping them alive. Why they would want to keep such evil smelling mammals as the 
Cabbarans alive was beyond him. He'd have let them die. They were only mouths to feed, and bodies to 
guard. They contributed nothing, not even information. 

The Primes had no interest whatsoever, as far as he could discern, in the U'Churians and the Cabbarans 
other than keeping them alive. Why they would want to keep such evil smelling mammals as the 
Cabbarans alive was beyond him. He'd have let them die. They were only mouths to feed, and bodies to 
guard. They contributed nothing, not even information. 

He hadn't recognized her at first because he knew he'd had her killed on Keiss. She'd been another that 
had frus-trated him beyond measure. Do what he could to her, she refused to talk, had laughed in his 
face, no less! The pain he'd inflicted on her was calculated to have a Valtegan screaming for mercy, yet 
she'd laughed. 

He shifted uncomfortably, leaning forward for his papers. Had she been that different that she'd cheated 
death? Had she come back now to haunt him? The male had proved to be as difficult, though he had felt 
the pain, of that he was sure. He smiled to himself. The rest of his crew might have mocked him because 
of his caste, but no longer. They now knew personally just how much pleasure he could derive 
from his 
work. There was a skill to it, in playing with a person, inflicting just enough pain to induce the right kind of 
fear so he spoke the truth. Too much and they said anything just to stop the pain. But apply it carefully, 
and over several days, and you could make the most difficult subject tell you his deepest secrets. Unless 
it was that damned Human female and her mate! 

He scowled, creasing his forehead. The dark-furred mate— what had the Seniormost said his name 
was? He looked at the reader, scrolling back to the beginning of the session. Kusac. That was it. He'd 
refused to speak about the female at all. He'd had to give up in the end. Even on the other questions, it 
had taken some time before he'd told him anything of use. Still, he liked to soften his prisoners up first, so 
the day had not been a total failure. 

He took another mouthful of his drink, feeling more relaxed 
now as he finished going through what he'd 
learned from his former crew. The weapon that they'd used on the two planets of Sholans seemed to 
interest the Primes greatly, but he'd been able to find out very little about it and its origins. However, that 
didn't mean they knew nothing. 
His former senior crew members had not been made available to him. 
Obviously the Primes had conducted their own interrogations, leaving the bulk of his people to him. 

He had discovered that as they had taken up their positions 
round the first world, a shuttle had docked 
with them, and a package had been handed to one of the senior officers. 
It had been taken to the 
engineering area, and given to the head officer to install on their ship. After the second planet, it had been 
uninstalled and collected again. 

He remembered the reconnaissance patrol they'd flown several hours after they'd used it. The devastation 
had shocked them all. Sensor readings had been double—no, triple—checked, but remained the same. 
No life had been left on either world. He shuddered at the memory. War was one thing, annihilation on 
this scale was a threat to them all. Should such a weapon fall into J'kirtikkian hands, they could suffer the 
same fate. No matter the reason, Val-tegan should not use such a weapon against Valtegan. 

Not being of a technical caste himself, the rest of the data concerning the device had meant nothing to him 
and he'd merely passed it on verbatim. A request to have it explained had gotten him nowhere; he'd been 
ignored. 

Following closely on this interest in the mystery weapon, was their concern over the war they were 


fighting in and around the J'kirtikk sector. Outside of the command crew, he was the only person who 
was aware that the enemy they fought was their own kind. 

fighting in and around the J'kirtikk sector. Outside of the command crew, he was the only person who 
was aware that the enemy they fought was their own kind. 

The Primes wanted to know the state of the war, the weapons used, where encounters took place, how 
often, and if there were any subject worlds. That had surprised him. Why should they wish to rule inferior 
beings? They were dirt beneath the heels of the Valtegan people, not even true people, unworthy of 
notice—except for the females. 

He thought again of the Human female. They'd not had much success keeping her out of stasis until they 
brought the other Sholan male in. Yes, they'd healed her, but later, when they tried to reduce the drugs, 
she'd started to scream and could not be stopped. So back she went into stasis, but in a reduced field 
he'd heard one of them say, so she could heal. Now she'd been wakened successfully, and they'd 
rewarded 
the Sholan male for doing it. But why him—the one who'd attacked and threatened their 
Interface, namely himself? If anyone deserved rewarding with female company, 
it was he, J'koshuk, for 
getting all the information they'd wanted. 

It had been a long time since he'd been allowed access to the drones. M'ezozakk, burn his memory, had 
forbidden him to go near them after he'd failed to get the four Sholan captives to talk. M'ezozakk had 
said abstinence became a priest. He hissed low and angrily at the memory. He had the same urges as the 
rest of the bridge crew, and the enforced celibacy had almost tempted him to drink at the common crew 
water fountains to suppress it, but he was of high caste, to abuse his system with those chemicals was 
beneath him. 

He'd been given the Human female once on Keiss, as a reward for uncovering a plot by four patients in 
the infirmary 
to steal the Human females for a night. He snorted at the memory. The soldiers had thought 
to test their newfound 
health on the females, interpreting their rising male chemical levels as the need to 
rut! Her skin had been softer than that of drones, he remembered. More responsive, too. The scent of 
her fear had acted like a strong aphrodisiac. It wasn't often one of his caste got to be with a true female. 
Since they were larger than the males, and definitely violent, 
it took a strong male to even think of 
approaching the breeding room, let alone enter it. Besides, he knew the females had to be drugged into 
submission and there was always the risk it would wear off too soon. Not exactly an invigorating 
experience. 

They'd taken a J'kirtikkian craft once, with breeding females 
on board. He preferred drones—or 
Humans. He sighed, attempting to overcome his increasingly lustful thoughts by releasing the opposite, 
calmative chemicals, aware that he'd let his imagination roam into areas best left alone. He downed some 
more of his drink, feeling its soothing coolness spread through him, helping him regain his equilibrium. 

Picking up the reader and stylus, he started to scribble notes from it onto the paper, beginning his report 
for the Seniormost. 

* * # 

Day 29 

There had been something of a stir at the Retreat over the last two days. Food had been missing from the 


main kitchens, and no culprit could be found. Windows were shut, the door locked, but still the food 
went missing. Brynne's jegget was the prime suspect despite his protestations 
that she'd been locked in 
the room with him each night. 

main kitchens, and no culprit could be found. Windows were shut, the door locked, but still the food 
went missing. Brynne's jegget was the prime suspect despite his protestations 
that she'd been locked in 
the room with him each night. 

At first she'd poked around in the grass, finding crick-etlike insects to eat, then, disturbing a small rodent, 
she'd scampered off in pursuit of it. 

"Belle!" he called, getting to his feet as he saw the flick of her tail disappear over the grassy knoll ahead 
of him. "Come back here!" He reinforced it with a mental command, 
but the jegget, usually obliging, was 
intent on the hunt, reverting to her wild nature for now. 

Cursing, he followed her, seeing the flick of her sable-tipped tail rise above clumps of grasses every now 
and then. He followed her down the hillside till he'd lost sight of the Retreat. He was in wild country now, 
not quite sure of where to go. 

A faint sound drew his attention. He listened, trying to identify it, and when he couldn't, he reached out 
for it with his mind. He recognized the feel instantly and backed off. Derwent—and someone else. 
Cautiously, he hunkered down amid the long grass, wishing he wasn't wearing his black robe. He stood 
out like a sore-thumb against the green landscape. 

He waited, hearing the noise again. It was the sound of feet trying to get a grip on stony ground and it 
was coming from around the bluff ahead of him. Remembering his training, he lay down in the grass and 
began to wriggle slowly closer. He heard a muffled cry, then the sound of someone falling. Again he 
reached out with his mind, this time for the other person and was shocked to recognize her, too. It was 
the female who had disturbed his sleep so many times over the last few weeks. What the hell was 
Derwent doing to her? Then he remembered the last dream he'd had. What if the rape hadn't yet 
happened? Anger flared, for her, and for himself, that one person could so violate another. 

He'd reached the edge of the bluff now and could see them clearly. Derwent had her by the wrists and 
was busy binding them firmly with rope. 

"I knew once I had her, you'd come to me, Brynne," he said, not bothering to look at him. "Your 
precious Leska, Vanna. How does it go?" he asked, pulling the rope tighter till the female whimpered in 
fear and pain. "When I hurt her, do you feel her pain? If I kill her, do you die?" Finished, 
he hauled her 
round in the gravel to look in Brynne's direction. 

He knew it wasn't Vanna, but Derwent thought it was, despite the fact that the two females were nothing 
alike. Brynne stood up slowly, wishing he hadn't come alone. 

"What do you want, Derwent? You know that's not Vanna. Let her go. It's me you really want," he said, 
beginning 
to walk toward them. 

"Stay right there," warned Derwent, pulling a knife out and placing it against her throat. "I want sanctuary, 
and she'll buy it for me, won't she? Unless you want me to cut off one of her pretty little ears?" 

As Derwent glanced away from him long enough to move the knife to her ear, the female locked eyes 
with him. He could feel her fear as acutely as if it were his, read the plea in her eyes. The fear of rape was 
in her mind, too. 


Rage surged through him, a rage like he'd never felt before. Snarling, he launched himself at Derwent. 
Strength he didn't know he possessed propelled him forward, knocking 
the other to the ground. As his 
hands closed round Derwent's throat, his vision narrowed down to nothing, until he felt a hand on his 
shoulder. 

Rage surged through him, a rage like he'd never felt before. Snarling, he launched himself at Derwent. 
Strength he didn't know he possessed propelled him forward, knocking 
the other to the ground. As his 
hands closed round Derwent's throat, his vision narrowed down to nothing, until he felt a hand on his 
shoulder. 

The red mist began to clear and gradually his sight returned. 
He shuddered, feeling Jurrel unclenching his 
hands from Derwent's throat and helping him to his feet. 
"She's safe. We cut her loose." 
He looked over to where she sat whimpering, Banner watching over her. 
He went over to them, crouching down in front of her. Ears plastered to her skull, brown eyes huge with 


fear, she stared up at him. 


"Are you all right?" he asked, reaching out to touch her nicked ear. He could feel the self-control it took 
for her to keep it still, letting him examine it. It was barely more than a scratch. 
"She won't talk," said Banner. "What happened? Who was the Human?" 
"Derwent," said Brynne shortly, letting her go. "He's wanted for evading deportation." He looked up at 


his two friends. "She's coming back with me." 
"The Protectorate will want to interview her about his attack." 
"No!" he said, even before he felt her flash of fear. "No. She wasn't here. Derwent attacked me. She's 


not involved, 
understand?" 


A chittering by his feet drew his attention away from them. He bent down to pick up Belle. "She's coming 
back with me," he said more quietly. 
"She's the one from the dreams," said Jurrel. "Isn't she? Him, too." 
Brynne nodded, standing up and holding his hand out to her. Hesitantly, she took it, allowing him to help 


her to her feet. "No one's to know she's here," he said, catching the glance that passed between the two 
Sholan males. "I have my reasons," he said to Jurrel. "Please. Trust me." 


Jurrel flicked an ear in agreement, taking Belle from him as he held the jegget out. 
Brynne began to unfasten his robe, taking it off to reveal the T-shirt and jeans he wore underneath. "The 
dreams, finding her here, it isn't just a coincidence." He held out the robe to her. "What's your name?" he 
asked gently. 


"Ghaysa," she said, her voice barely audible as she accepted 
it from him. She stood there, letting it hang 


from her hand, her eyes never leaving his face, obviously in shock. 
"We're taking you to the Retreat," said Brynne, "but you need to put the robe on. You'll be safe with me, 
I swear it." 


She nodded slowly, beginning to put an arm into one sleeve. 
He looked up at Jurrel and Banner. "You'll help me get her in?" 


"Of course," said Jurrel, stroking the jegget. 

"Of course," said Jurrel, stroking the jegget. 

"I wasn't soon enough," said Brynne, taking hold of Ghaysa's limp hand. "I didn't think Derwent could get 
this far without being picked up." 

He stepped between her and Derwent's body as they passed it, trying to shield her from the sight of it. 
God knows, he didn't want to see it again himself, but beyond that, he felt nothing, not anger nor regret at 
killing the man who'd once been just about his only friend on Shola. 

Getting her into the Retreat was easy: they just walked in. No one would think to stop the Brothers and a 
Sister. They left her in Brynne's room, with the jegget for company, 
locking the door behind them as 
they went to Guardian 
Dhaika's office to report Derwent's death. 

The Protectors let Brynne leave first, but kept Banner and Jurrel for further questions as it was obvious 
they'd been more aware of what had happened than Brynne. They said he'd gone kzu-shu, into a 
warrior's red-mist trance, where nothing exists but the prey. Given the fact that Derwent 
had nearly 
caused Brynne's death by keeping him and his Leska apart when he'd been seriously ill, and the older 
male's attack on him, it had been understandable, said the chief Protector. 

Brynne returned to his room to find Ghaysa curled up asleep in the center of his bed. This was the first 
chance he'd really had to look at her. A mane of hair of just about every conceivable Sholan 
color—brown, gold, ginger, and white—lay on the bed surrounding her head like a corona. Her pelt was 
the same glorious mix of colors. Hand reaching 
out to touch her hair, he sat down beside her. 

l>he woke suddenly, eyes flying open to stare up at him. Fear began to fill them and he moved back, 
holding his hands up so she could see he didn't intend to harm her. 

"You were running," he said quietly. "Through the forest. 
Then you stole a riding beast. It brought you a 
fish." 

She stared at him, then whispered, "How do you know?" 

"I shared your dreams," he said. "They came to me, I didn't look for them, Ghaysa. The male hurt you. 
Your thigh." He looked down, seeing the bandaged leg through the overlap of the robe. "His claws cut 
you." 

"You saw that too?" She shut her eyes. 

"Only when you remembered it," he said. "But nothing since then. Why? Why should I sense you so 
strongly?" 

She looked at the robe she wore, touching the purple trim on it. "You're a Human telepath." 

He could hear the fear in her voice. "That's why you're safe with me." 

"You're in danger." 

He frowned. "Me? Why should I be in danger?" 

She flicked an ear in a negative. "Not just you. Telepaths. But I can't remember why." 

Now he was confused. "Your memory will return," he said gently, not knowing what else to say. "You've 


been through so much, it's no wonder you don't want to remember 
it right now. How long were you 
Derwent's captive?" 

been through so much, it's no wonder you don't want to remember 
it right now. How long were you 
Derwent's captive?" 

"I thought he was the one in the dream." If not Derwent, then who? It hadn't been a Sholan male, of that 
he was positive, even though the male in the dream had been mostly in shadow. 

"No," she said slowly. "Not the Human. Someone else." She frowned, her hand going instinctively to her 
bandaged thigh. "The Human didn't harm me like that." 

Relief flooded through him. He'd not been too late, then. He heard a scratch at the door and went to 
answer it. It was Banner, carrying a bundle of clothes. 

"From one of the Sisters. I noticed Ghaysa's were torn. She can't keep your robe." He hesitated, putting 
a hand up to scratch behind his ear. "What do you plan to do about her? She can't stay here indefinitely, 
nor come to Stronghold with us. Not even bond-mates are allowed to do that. Have you managed to find 
out anything about her yet?" 

"Nothing. She's really lost her memory, though. What-ever happened, it's terrified her." He sighed. 
"We've another 
couple of days here before I'm due back at the estate. I could take her with me. She'd 
be safe there, surely." Then he remembered her warning. "Jurrel's coming with me, why don't you come, 
too?" If danger did threaten, and he wasn't convinced it did, he'd rather have Banner with them as well. 
"Where is Jurrel?" 

"It's second meal. He's gone to get food for us all. She looks like she could do with a few decent meals." 
He hesitated. 
"I'll think about coming with you. Jurrel might prefer me not to." 

This time, Brynne didn't try to avoid the amusement in the other's eyes and voice. "You're just as 
welcome as Jurrel. 
You're his Companion." 

"Don't undervalue yourself, Brynne," he said. "You matter 
to Jurrel, too." He touched him lightly on the 
arm. "Now, do I have to stand out here, or can I come in? I also brought some fresh dressings for 
Ghaysa's leg." 

Showered, her bandages replaced with fresh ones, and dressed in decent female clothing, Ghaysa began 
to relax a little. They couldn't possibly mean her any harm. Hadn't they kept the Protectors away from 
her? 

She found the Human intriguing. So like her own kind, yet different at the same time. They greeted her in 
a friendly way when she finally joined them on the floor round the plates of food. After helping her to 
generous portions, they continued talking among themselves. The two Sholans were telling stories of their 
time on the Humans' 
planet, Keiss. 

"I've never been there," said Brynne. "I came direct from Earth." 

"Now there's a world I'd like to visit," said Jurrel, waving 
the bone he'd been gnawing. "From all 
accounts it's like Shola was back at the time of the Cataclysm." 

"You wouldn't like it," said Brynne, feeding some scraps of meat to Belle. "Fumes, smog, too many road 
vehicles. And the mental noise!" He shook his head. 

"No psi dampers?" asked Banner. 


"They still don't really believe in our gifts," reminded Jurrel. 
"Nothing. You had to grin and get on with it," said 
Brynne. "Night was best, when most folk were asleep, then you could have your mind to yourself again." 
"So you like it here?" asked Banner, reaching for some more bread. 
She could sense him considering his answer. 
"Not at first," Brynne admitted. "My Leska Link with Vanna Kyjishi happened almost as soon as I set 


foot on this world. From then on, my life was decided. It's only now that I feel I've begun to get control 
of it again." 
"Despite the dreams and visions?" asked Jurrel. 


She felt the Human's eyes on her, and concentrated on her food. 
"Yes. They've helped me save one person so far." He looked away, his attention back on his 
companions. "It's what I did on Earth. Helped find missing persons." 


"You did? We do that, too," said Jurrel. "You should mention it to Tutor Kha'Qwa." 
"You kill them," Ghaysa blurted out, shocking them to silence. 
"You listen to too much gossip," said Banner, his voice a low rumble of reproval. 
"What else is there?" she countered. 
"The truth. Not everything we do is negative, Ghaysa," said Jurrel, passing her a glass of the fruit juice 


he'd just poured. "We do far more that is positive, only no one hears of it." 
She snorted disbelievingly. 
"You've had dealings with us before?" asked Jurrel. 
An image flashed into her mind of a room and a tall figure, black-robed like them, standing with the sun 


behind him. She remembered weights at her wrists, and clenched her hands, claw tips pressing into her 
palms. The image faded. "No," she lied, aware that the Human had picked up something of it from her. 
"Leave her, Jurrel," said Brynne lazily. "Her memory will come back in its own time." 
He was protecting her from his fellow Brothers? Why would he do that for her, a total stranger? 


Not quite, came back his thought. You forget I know you through the dreams. 
"Whether or not she has, she can ask for sanctuary here," said Banner. "The merits of her case would be 
looked at dispassionately by Guardian Dhaika. It could be granted if she agreed to entering a closed 
order." 


"I'm sure that's not necessary," said Brynne. "She's not a convict. It was Derwent she's been running from 
all along. He's been free for a couple of months now." He looked over at her again. "He thought she was 
my Leska, Vanna. And there was the rape. That was Derwent." 


Banner made a noise as if he was clearing his throat. "If he had her captive, why let her go?" 



"He left her for dead," said Brynne. 

"He left her for dead," said Brynne. 

"I told you, I need the chemical your body produces," he'd said, rising to his feet and reaching for his 
clothes. "Was as little pleasure in this act for me as you. Biting you made us dependent on each other. 
This sets us both free." He pulled the tunic over his head, looking down at where she lay bleeding on the 
ground. "Go. Get help for yourself. It's over for you. I go on alone now. Believe me, those responsible 
for making me use you like this will pay dearly." 

He'd pulled on the robe then, belting it. "I regret wounding you," he said, hesitating. "You served me well, 
but you fought me. The error was yours. I have never injured you before, I did not intend to do so now. 
You should have trusted me to do what was best for both of us. Tell me your name. I wish to remember 
it." 

"Ghaysa!" She was being shaken now. Moaning, she put her hand up to her head. It hurt. Remembering 
hurt more than she could bear. 

She felt herself lifted and carried, then placed on the bed. The one called Banner looked at her eyes, felt 
her pulse. 

"Shock," he said, pulling a cover over her. "She needs to be kept warm. We should go. If you need us, 
you know where we are." 

"I'll call you," said the Human. His voice sounded close, then she felt the bed move as he sat beside her. 

A gentle hand pushed her hair back, continuing the ca-ress between her ears as she heard the plates and 
glasses being collected, then the door closing. 

She could sense Brynne more strongly now, knew he was like the Brother who'd come for her, the one 
who'd stood against the light. He'd been fair with her. She felt herself begin to drift to sleep, knowing with 
him, she was safe. 

Chapter 11 

JURREL had dropped by to make sure all was well before retiring. They'd talked quietly for several 
minutes before Brynne had said what was really on his mind. 

"I feel drawn to her," he said, leaning against the doorpost. 

"You would be, you've shared so much of her suffering. I am, when I sense her through you." 

"Through me?" How much had Jurrel picked up, he wondered, fear tightening the pit of his stomach. 

Jurrel shrugged, putting his head to one side, mouth opening in a slow smile. "I pick up your emotions 
when I'm near you, and today, when you were sensing her…" He left the sentence unfinished. 

"Being Talented is more complex than I thought," Brynne said, relieved. 

"It's a world of the senses, which you have to experience to understand. You're aware of so much more 
that's going on around you than those without a gift. That's why you have to face yourself without fear, 
and be responsible for your own actions," said Jurrel. He hesitated, obviously unsure 
whether to 
continue. "You realize what happened this afternoon, don't you? You went kzu-shu. It's a Sholan thing. 


You've done what you were afraid to do, accessed your Sholan side fully. You can't go back now, can't 


block it off any more." 
"I knew I couldn't go back the night we spent together," he said quietly. "I'm beginning to come to terms 
with myself." 


"Don't look too deep," Jurrel said, smiling again. "You can get lost doing that. Vartra knows, Banner and 
I don't have an exclusive relationship, we've had female lovers, too, but this one…" He shook his head, 
obviously con-cemed. "We know nothing about her, except she's lost her memory." 


"She's harmless," said Brynne. "Far more hurt than capable 
of hurting me. I trust her." 


"You've touched her mind, you should know. Just be yourself, do what you think is right rather than what 
you think's expected of you." 
"With you around to remind me, how can I forget?" Brynne countered, reaching out to clasp him briefly 


on the shoulder. 


Jurrel put his hand up to cover Brynne's. "There's something 
else I must talk to you about. Is Ghaysa 
asleep?" 
Puzzled, Brynne nodded. 
"Have you ever killed before?" he asked in a low voice. 
Shocked, Brynne would have pulled away from him, but Jurrel held onto his hand. 
"I take it you haven't. Don't look so shocked, my friend. What do you think I'm training you to do in the 


gym at Stronghold? We're fighters, we kill to protect, not for the sport. We're not murderers." 
"I know, but… I didn't think that…" he stammered. 
"Calm down, Brynne. Look we can't talk here," he said, glancing up and down the corridor. "Can you 


leave her for a few minutes and come to our room? I'm sure Banner would watch her for you." 
He hesitated, aware of how important Jurrel considered this. As far as he was concerned, he had no 


regrets over killing Derwent. After the stunt he'd pulled a few days ago, and the way he'd treated 
Ghaysa… Jurrel's grip on his hand tightened. 
"We must talk, Brynne." 
Brynne nodded and followed him down the corridor to their room. 
Jurrel opened the door and called to Banner. "Would you mind watching Ghaysa for a while? I need to 


talk to Brynne." 


"Sure," came the reply. He heard the bed creak. Banner came out wearing the short black Brotherhood 
tunic. "Take what time you need." He strolled down the corridor. 
"Thanks." Jurrel stood aside for him to enter. 
The room was identical to his, large enough for the usual double bed and two small night tables at either 


side of it, a couple of drawer units, and a chest at the foot of the bed. A desk, with the ubiquitous comm 
unit, stood against one wall. 



Brynne perched on the edge of the chest, assuming Jurrel would join him there. He didn't, instead he 
chose to sit on the bed, making Brynne twist round to see him. 

Brynne perched on the edge of the chest, assuming Jurrel would join him there. He didn't, instead he 
chose to sit on the bed, making Brynne twist round to see him. 

"No, I'm not going to do that. After all, I wasn't there, I don't know the dynamics of the situation. In the 
Brotherhood, 
you'll be taught to kill more efficiently than you would in any other military organization. If 
you take someone's 
life, you need to be sure it's never done lightly." 

"It wasn't," said Brynne. "I know what was in his mind. He thought she was Vanna, my Leska, and was 
threatening my life." 

"I know he was," said Jurrel quietly. "In normal circumstances, 
you'd not find yourself in a situation 
where the decision to kill was yours alone until nearing graduation, by which time you'd be emotionally as 
well as physically prepared for it. Today's happening was unfortunate." 

"I don't have a problem with it." 

"Not now, but you may later, Brynne. You killed Derwent 
with your bare hands. You saw his face, 
heard his last breath, even if you can't remember it now. At some point, that memory will come back and 
have to be dealt with." 

Brynne had looked away uncomfortably as he'd spoken. Unbidden, the image of Derwent's face had, 
indeed, come to his mind, "I don't want to remember it," he said harshly, standing up. "The man was mad. 
If I hadn't come along, he planned to rape her. After sharing her memories of that, do you think I'd let 
him get the chance to do it again just to get sanctury at Stronghold?" 

He pushed aside memories of times shared with Derwent, 
good times as well as bad. He did not want 
to remember 
any of it. 

"I'm not criticizing your actions, Brynne, only offering my help if you find you need it. I'd be failing in my 
duty to you—and as a friend—if I didn't tell you this." 

It was an awkward moment for him, poised between taking 
offense and the knowledge Jurrel was only 
saying this because he genuinely cared about him. He could see his friend's concern in the expression on 
his face and the set of his ears, as well as feel it. 

"If I need help, I'll come to you," he said. 

She'd been pinned down in an alleyway, a blind end. There'd been cover, huge trash dumps overflowing 
with paper waste and cardboard packaging. She'd hidden there, picking them off with her pistol as they 
tried to rush the opening, but her ammunition charge was running out now. 

The sound of sirens split the night. The Protectors. They'd likely save her, but did she want that? To her 
right, something hit the ground with a hollow clatter then rolled a few feet before coming to rest. A gas 
canister. Already thick fumes were beginning to spill from it, pouring across the ground toward her. She 
put her gun down, knowing it was useless now. Better to be found without it in her hands, then at least 
they couldn't accuse her of resisting arrest along with everything 
else. 

She began to cough, eyes starting to stream as the fumes reached her. Powerless, she keeled over. 

Awake now, she remembered the cell, smelling the stale air and hearing once more the creaking door. 
She recalled the scent of blood as he slit the throat of the medic, saw again how it had sprayed into the 
air and over the ceiling and walls; saw again the guard's face as he writhed in agony when she kept the 


stun gun trained oh him. His death cry echoed in her mind. 
Her dream had triggered Brynne's own nightmare. He saw his hands round Derwent's throat, throttling 


the life out of him, pressing tighter and tighter till his face became swollen, taking on a bluish tinge. He felt 
hands clutching at him, shaking him. 
Whimpering, she reached out for Brynne, lying asleep on top of the bed beside her. "Make them stop," 


she whimpered. 
"Oh, Gods, make them stop! I don't want to remember 
any more!" 


Groggily, trying to dispel his own nightmare, he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her as she 
shivered and whimpered, her hands clutching at him in terror. 
More was coming back to her now. The flight from Sha-nagi, landing the aircar in the clearing in the 


forest. The telepath they'd taken as hostage. He'd killed him, then turned to her, thinking she was a 


telepath, too. 
She scrambled from the bedding, crouching on all fours, beside herself with terror, not knowing whether 
to run or stay. "It wasn't me!" she whimpered. "I didn't mean to do it!" 


She felt herself grasped firmly round the waist and pulled close. His arms went round her, containing her, 


holding her and her fear still; she smelled his scent, almost Sholan, yet different. 
"Hush! You'll bring someone here," he said urgently, afraid it would rouse Jurrel. "You're broadcasting! 
You're safe." 


Struggling against him, trapped within her own head, she knew she was only trying to run from herself. 
Her whimper deepened, becoming a howl, which was suddenly silenced as he covered her mouth with 
his. 

Stop it, Keeza, she heard him say in her mind. I'm here. You're safe, but you must keep quiet! 
Shocked, she became still, feeling his grip slacken slightly as his tongue hesitantly touched her lips. 
It's a kiss, he sent in reply to her confused thoughts. 
In her mind, his presence expanded, filling it till he pushed the fear back and she no longer felt alone. She 


could sense him now, feel the anger and anguish he'd experienced 
as he'd had to kill the male who'd 
attacked her earlier. He'd never taken a life before, and her nightmarish memories had caused him to 
relieve it in details as horrific for him as those she'd just experienced. 

He began to withdraw, releasing her, but she clung to him. 

No, don't leave me! I don't want to be alone! He wanted her, needed her presence to push his 
memories back just as much as she needed him to do the same for her. She could feel it all in his mind. 
His teeth caught gently at her lips, one hand coming up to cup the side of her face and caress it while the 


other began to stoke her back, fingers pushing through the long pile of her pelt. 


She tugged at his clothes, frantic to have him, to make him want to stay with her despite the distress she'd 
caused him. Suddenly she stopped, realizing he'd said her name. 
Yes, I know who you are, Keeza Lassah, he sent, catching hold of her hands. 
Then you know… 



I know who you are, he repeated, pulling his own clothes free and placing her hands against his bare 
chest. It wasn't you who did those things. You didn't want to kill any more than I did. Neither of us 
had a choice. 

I know who you are, he repeated, pulling his own clothes free and placing her hands against his bare 
chest. It wasn't you who did those things. You didn't want to kill any more than I did. Neither of us 
had a choice. 

He was waiting for her, she realized, and hesitantly, unsure 
of what she'd find, she ventured lower, 
almost leaping back in shock as she discovered just how aroused he was. 

It's all right, he sent. I'd never force you. We can stop now if you wish. 

In answer, she let her hands slide over his hips, pressing him hard against her belly. Stroking his rear 
through the thin fabric of his shorts, it came as a surprise to find he hadn't even the vestige of a tail. 

He moved against her, making a small, muffled noise of pleasure before drawing her down with him onto 
the bed. He released her only long enough to undress, then his arms were round her again. 

He'd felt almost this smooth, came the unbidden comparison 
and she shied away from the memory, 
clutching Brynne closer. But not as warm. And Brynne was so warm against her body. 

Hush, he sent, soothing her until she stopped shivering. Then, gently nibbling and biting her, he worked 
his way across her cheek and jaw to her chest, looking for, and finding, a nipple. 

As his teeth closed softly on her, she whimpered, trying to remember to control her claws as she began 
to knead his shoulders. His free hand caressed her hip and uninjured thigh and her mind was filled again 
with his need to keep her safe, to protect her, and his desire to stay with her. 

Why? Why should you want to help me? I've brought you nothing but nightmares. 

You need me. No one has ever needed me like this before. He moved lower, nibbling and caressing 
his way across her belly and hips then the tops of her thighs while his fingers gently began to slide higher, 
teasing gentle moans of pleasure 
from her. 

Everything was so new—him, what he was doing to her, the sensations she was experiencing. No male 
had treated her like this before. When he stopped and began to sit up, she reached for him anxiously. 

Don't stop! 

I'm not. He reached for the light beside him, letting its warm glow illuminate him before he leaned over 
her. 
"I'll not have you afraid of me," he said gently, stroking her laid back ears and brushing her tousled hair 

away from her face. 

Something long asleep within her awoke at that moment. She wanted this male, wanted to be with him 
always. Tears began to spill from her eyes as she realized how impossible it was because of her past. 
No, he sent, stopping to wipe her tears. I'll find a way, I swear I will! 

* * * 

The moment he woke, Kaid knew he was alone and back in their prison. His mind was empty, not a 


trace of her. It was as if it had never happened. 


His howl Of rage and grief brought the others rushing from their rooms. Tirak would have entered, but 
T'Chebbi barred the way. 
"No. Leave him," she said. "Even I'm not going in." 
"What's wrong with him?" demanded Rezac, trying to push her aside. "He wasn't hurt when we found 


him, just drugged." 


She resisted with a strength that surprised him. "Don't know," she said, but she had her own, private 
thoughts as she heard the sound of breaking furniture. 
T'Chebbi remained where she was, not so much stopping anyone from going in as preventing Kaid from 


leaving if he should try. He needed to work this rage off, and she knew he was best left alone. There 


wasn't much to break in their room anyway. 
When all had been quiet for some time, she risked opening 
the door and looking in. At first she couldn't 
see him amid the broken pieces of drawer units and shredded bedding. 
She ventured farther, letting the 
door close behind her. Then she saw him, crouched in a corner, his knees up to his chest, head hidden in 
his forearms. 


"Kaid?" she said softly. When he didn't respond, she went closer, squatting down in front of him. Cuts on 
his hands and arms were oozing blood. 


"Kaid?" Still no response. Reaching out, she gently shook him. 
He looked up, eyes glazed with pain and swollen with crying. "Carrie's alive, T'Chebbi. They took me to 
her. We're Leska Linked now, but I can't sense her. She's gone again." 


"Oh, Gods," she whispered, ears lying back in shock. 
"And I made her pregnant. They're breeding us, T'Chebbi, and I can't do a damned thing to help her!" 
"They'll have to bring you together again. Link days at least!" 
"Will they?" he asked, voice bleak. "They healed her. She had a scar. How long did they have her out of 


cryo for that? And I didn't know, dammit!" 


"But you did," she said gently, stroking his head as she knelt in front of him. "The pain attacks. That must 
have been when they woke her. You felt her pain." 
He looked up at her. "You're right. I did." He was silent for a moment. "When they took me to her, our 


minds were pulled together by the gestalt. I had no choice but to pair with her, T'Chebbi. What could I 
have done? Tried to fight it and let her die?" He shook his head, letting it rest on his forearms again. 
"They didn't find Kusac, only her." 


"They're able to control your minds? Stop you sensing each other?" 


"They must be," he whispered, fresh tears beginning to fall. "I know I should be with her now and I'm 
not!" 
She gathered him close, trying to comfort him, knowing that even though he held her tightly in return, 


there was nothing anyone but Carrie could do for him. 



He remained withdrawn until after the Primes had done their appearing and disappearing trick and 
replaced the ruined 
bedding and drawer units. Then his rage got the better of him again as he pounded 
the outer door, demanding they talk to him. 

He remained withdrawn until after the Primes had done their appearing and disappearing trick and 
replaced the ruined 
bedding and drawer units. Then his rage got the better of him again as he pounded 
the outer door, demanding they talk to him. 

"This is achieving nothing but unsettling the younger ones," said Tirak quietly. "Time we really started 
planning our escape. We have nearly enough information now." 

"I'll not leave without her." Kaid's tone was hard and uncompromising. 

"That goes without saying. Do you know where she is?" he asked, drawing Kaid with him toward the 
small table. A gesture from Tirak and those sitting there left hurriedly. 

"I'm pretty sure." 

Rezac joined them with the reader. When he seemed inclined to stay, Tirak glowered at him and he left, 
tail swaying angrily. 

"You were conscious when you left here. Where did they take you?" 

Kaid scrolled through their rough sketch, trying to focus his mind on it rather than Carrie. It took a lot of 
concentration 
because, careful that the Primes wouldn't recognize it for what it was, they'd concealed it 
within other doodles. 

"Down here," he pointed to the lines that represented the corridor outside their suite. "Parallel to the one 
we came up when they brought us here. It's a cryo area, except they use some kind of stasis field 
technology. I think they use the room to put folk in stasis and bring them out. They're keeping her in a 
small room off the main one." He added the details to the sketch. "As Jeran said, this seems to be in their 
main medical area." 

Tirak grunted. "At least we know they're not doing any fighting right now, despite the body armor. They 
couldn't afford to cut their medical facilities off from the rest of the craft otherwise." 

"With the technology they used to get our craft on board, seems to me they don't need to do much 
fighting," said Kaid, his voice hard. "Which brings me to the point of what we do if the Profit isn't 
usable." 

"We take whatever craft we can find, or die trying," said Tirak, equally grimly, catching his gaze. "They 
might be concentrating on your people now, but how long before they turn to mine? I have females on my 
crew, too. Death is preferable to this." 

Kaid looked at him long and hard, then slowly nodded. "Agreed. If we don't make it, we'll see there're 
no survivors 
on either crew." 

"Agreed. And see if we can take this monstrosity out with us, too," Tirak snarled. 

* * * 

J'koshuk slipped into the stasis room where he knew the tall Seniormost on duty would be monitoring the 
Human female. He could see her through the transparent screen, just beyond the Prime's control desk. 


"Your lack of progress with your captive is disappointing," 
said the translator. 

"Your lack of progress with your captive is disappointing," 
said the translator. 

"It was assumed that you were also trained in your profession." 

"I am, but he might not have the knowledge you want. If he doesn't know the answers, he can't give them 
to me no matter what I do to him." He knew he was emitting some fear scent, but they must expect that, 
he reasoned. It didn't mean he was incompetent. 

"I have some answers for you, but they make no sense. He keeps babbling about some God of his being 
responsible 
for the links with the Humans. The Kezule person is all tied up in that, too. I can't get 
anything that makes sense out of him on either subject." 

The Seniormost stood, holding his hand out for the reader pad. 

J'koshuk had found the male's ramblings more fascinat-ing than he was letting on. Oh, he didn't believe 
the God rubbish, but he hadn't been aware that his people had once ruled the Sholan home world. That 
had come as a surprise to him. And it had been confirmed that as far as Kusac was aware, Kezule had 
been plucked from the past and brought forward to this time. 

The Prime turned and inserted the comp into a slot in his desk, waiting a few seconds for the data to be 
downloaded, then returned the wiped unit to him. 

"I will examine him later. Leave him for now. You may use this time as you wish. I will send for you when 
I need you." 

He glanced at the window again. The female was in her usual place, lying in the bed. Every time he'd seen 
her, she was either sleeping or resting. No, he couldn't use the time as he wished, more was the pity. 
He'd still found nothing out about her except her name. Carrie. He'd driven the Sholan so hard that when 
he finally cried it out, it hadn't been in answer to his question, but as a plea for help. He snorted gently. 
How could one so fragile help anyone? She was worthless, useful for only one thing. Pleasure. 

"Why do you remain?" 

J'koshuk started. "I was waiting to see if you had any further instructions," he stammered as he turned to 
leave. 

* * * 

Moving had been agony, but Kusac refused to remain on the floor where J'koshuk had left him. Pulling 
himself up onto the bed had been the worst, as every nerve in his body jangled with echoes of the pain 
he'd endured. He collapsed on the bed, lying there exhausted and unable to think straight. Overhead, the 
light still glared down at him. He turned his head, closing his eyes in an effort to shut it out, wondering 
how long they'd let him alone this time. 

He'd been deprived of sleep for what seemed like days. Every time he'd been on the verge of drifting off, 
two of the black-armored guards would come in and haul him out of bed, stand him in a corner and 
watch him, or make him walk round the bed till he could barely move. Then they'd leave him for a short 
time and it would start again. Sometimes 
it wasn't the guards, it was Valtegans, their clawed hands 
gripping him hard and scratching his flesh, adding more hurts to those already inflicted on him. Finally, the 
one called J'koshuk had come, and the questions had started again. 

He'd no idea what had happened to them. All he knew was that Carrie was safe and with Kaid, because 


he'd seen them together. The priest had told him they were being treated well. They had cooperated, 
unlike him. He had to hold onto that thought, it was all he had. 

he'd seen them together. The priest had told him they were being treated well. They had cooperated, 
unlike him. He had to hold onto that thought, it was all he had. 

They knew about his Talent, knew he was part of a Triad, the priest had told him that, but J'koshuk 
wanted to know more. And much more about Carrie. 

He'd refused to talk about her, giving her name only when it was forced out of him by intense pain. He 
shivered, remembering it. He'd tried to keep quiet, to tell them nothing 
and be worthy of his 
sword-brother, but in the end, he'd had to speak, even though each word had been torn from him. 

He hadn't been prepared for a situation like this, how could he have been? One minute he'd been in cryo, 
the next he'd awakened to this nightmare. It made him realize how unreal his world as a telepath had 
been. He'd protected 
Carrie and Kaid as much as possible, telling J'koshuk only what he knew already. 
For the rest, the priest had wanted to know how they could breed with the Humans and why they'd 
gotten involved on Keiss. And with Kezule. 

He'd let himself ramble then, talking about the God, knowing they'd find it impossible to believe. He'd 
managed to hide the fact it was he and his Triad partners who had brought Kezule forward in time, 
though. If the Primes thought it was others, they wouldn't expect him to know how it had been done, 
wouldn't expect them to duplicate it. 

His ears picked up the telltale sounds of someone outside. 
He'd gotten good at that by now. The door 
slid back, admitting a Seniormost accompanied by two guards. Too exhausted to move, he lay there, not 
even curious about what was coming next. Experience had taught him it could only be more pain. 

* * * 

Carrie knew Kaid was gone as soon she woke. There was an emptiness in her mind where he'd been, 
and an even larger one where Kusac should be. She began to weep then for his loss, praying to all the 
Gods she could think of that he was safe. Then she wept for her cub, the daughter on Shola who faced 
an unknown danger that she could do nothing to prevent; and for the new one growing inside her, hers 
and Kaid's, to be born into this nightmare of captivity. 

Exhausted, she clutched the pillow that still carried his scent, burying her face in it, knowing he was her 
only hope, her life now. She lay like this throughout the day, not awake, yet not asleep. Guards came 
with food, their presence 
barely noticed by her. 

Armored hands grasped her arms, pulling her from the bed, forcing her to stand beside it. With a cry of 
horror, she tried to wrench herself free, coming face to face with a Seniormost for the first time. 

Six feet tall or more, he towered over her, dwarfing her by his bulk as well as height. The gray tabard, 
obviously worn as a badge of office, came down to mid-calf length, giving him the air of a medieval 
knight. Black and dark as the void of space the armor was, absorbing and reflecting no light. She looked 
higher, to the helmet, seeing the faceplate 
that covered most of its surface. It seemed to ripple and move 
even as she watched, making her feel sick to the pit of her stomach. Fragments of memories she wanted 
to forget began to stir within her subconscious. With a shudder 
of revulsion, she looked away. 

"Release her," the translator said. 


The guard let her go, stepping back to a position just behind the Seniormost. 
"You do not eat. Why?" asked the Seniormost, pointing to the dish of untouched food. 
She looked beyond him. The door was open but she could see another armed guard waiting there. 
"The Seniormost asked a question," hissed the guard, moving closer. 
Feeling the blood drain from her face, she took a step back. "You've taken my mate away. Why?" she 


countered. 


The Seniormost let his arm fall back by his side. "He is not your mate. The missing one, also in a 
cryogenic unit, was your mate." 
Kaid had been asked the same. "They're both my mates. We're a unit of three." She could sense nothing 


from either of them, and remembering the Valtegans back on Keiss, she didn't dare try. 
"There are several pairs among your number, but no other threes. Why?" 
She shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe they haven't met the right person to be their Third yet." 
"Why do you not eat?" 
"I want my mate. Take me to him, then I'll eat." 
"You will eat first, then, perhaps, we will return him." 
"No." 
"You'd risk your life, and his offspring's, just to be with him?" 
Her stomach tightened with fear. How could they possibly 
know? She pushed it aside. This had to be 


dealt with now, time to worry about that later. 


"Yes, I will," she said firmly. They mustn't know how physically dependent on each other Leska pairs 
were. 
"As you wish," the Seniormost said, then turned and left, the guard following him. 
Stunned, she stood there for a moment, than sank down on the bed. He was going to let her starve 


herself? Maybe he didn't believe she would. 
Her mouth watered as she smelled the food standing on the night table. She was hungry. Resolutely, she 


climbed back into bed, curling up with her back to the enticing smells and burying her face in the pillow. 
It helped, a little. 
Kaid's scent came back to haunt her. She knew it was futile, but she reached out mentally for him, finding 


the same barrier as before. Remembering the Jalnian effect, she tried other mental frequencies but found 


nothing. Whatever they were using, it was thorough. They knew how to disable telepaths. 
Her efforts had exhausted her more than she'd realized, more than they should have. Then she 
remembered she'd had major surgery only two weeks before and spent much of the time since in stasis 
while they tried to heal her. Unbidden, earlier memories of waking in pain, seeing the bright lights and the 
white tiled ceiling overhead, then the helmets of the Primes as they bent over her, came back again. With 
an effort of will, she pushed them aside and began to recite the litanies Kaid had taught her. A gentle 


warmth began to spread through her limbs and gradually, as her drowsiness increased, she let herself drift 
off to sleep. 

warmth began to spread through her limbs and gradually, as her drowsiness increased, she let herself drift 
off to sleep. 

Deciding to leave for the estate a day. earlier because of the risk of Keeza being discovered, Brynne's 
first stop after seeing his companions settled in his house was to visit Vanna and his son. 

"He seems to know when you're here," said Vanna, as Brynne took the squirming bundle from her. 
Excited mewls and squeaks greeted him as his son, now a hefty size, climbed up his chest to wrap his 
arms around his neck and nuzzle him. A small rough tongue began to lick him madly under the jaw. 

He laughed, supporting the cub with one hand while he ruffled Marak's ears with the other. "And hello to 
you, too, young fellow! It's a good job I've got a beard, you'd be licking me raw otherwise!" He turned 
to look at Vanna. "How's our young lad been since my last visit?" 

"He's into everything now he's mobile," she said, sitting down beside him. "He might still be unsteady on 
his legs but that doesn't stop him, I assure you! He and Kashini drive their nurses to distraction. Still, it's 
good that they've got each other to play with. How have you been?" 

"Fine," he said, "I'm home for five days this time." 
"That's longer than usual. Any special reason?" 
"Yes," he said, making a grab for Marak as the cub tried to climb over his shoulder onto the back of the 


couch. He tried vainly to disengage him, but Marak clung on for dear hie, refusing to be moved. "Vanna, 


can you help me here? He's got his claws caught and I can't get him down." 
Laughing, she leaned across him to free their adventurous 
offspring and let Brynne lift him down onto his 
lap. 


"What's the reason for the long visit, then?" she asked. 
"I've met someone," he said, looking up at her. "Someone 
who's important to me." 
"Jurrel? He's been here with you before, surely," she said raising an eye ridge. 
Brynne met her curious stare this time, something he'd never been able to do before. "Does everyone 


know my private business?" he asked, keeping his tone light. 


"Only those who care," she reassured him gently. "We want you to find your own place in our world, and 
someone to make you happy. So is it Jurrel?" 
"Someone else," he said. "A female, though you're right, Jurrel is important to me, too." 
The eye ridge arched higher. "Have you brought her with you?" 
"She's with Jurrel and Banner right now. Banner is Jur-rel's Companion and sword-brother." 
She digested this for a moment, and he could sense her thinking that with him, nothing was 


straightforward. "Will I get to meet this female—what's she called, by the way? She must have a name. 
Where did you meet her?" 
"Ghaysa, and I met her at Vartra's Retreat. Yes, but in a day or two, when I've sorted some things out 



here first," he said, letting Marak distract him from her penetrating gaze. Their link might be lessened 
while she was carrying Garras' child, but she was still too damned intuitive by far for his comfort right 
now. "You'll like her. She's not as strong as you. Much more vulnerable. She needs me, Vanna." 

here first," he said, letting Marak distract him from her penetrating gaze. Their link might be lessened 
while she was carrying Garras' child, but she was still too damned intuitive by far for his comfort right 
now. "You'll like her. She's not as strong as you. Much more vulnerable. She needs me, Vanna." 

"It's not something that I have any control over, Vanna. Tutor Kha'Qwa says it'll lessen after a while, that 
the intensity 
is because it's new to me," he said, letting his son chew gently on a finger. "I'm picking up 
things from all over the place. You know I wouldn't upset you and Marak if I could avoid it." 

"Maybe getting involved with the religious side wasn't such a good idea after all." 

"It got involved with me, if you remember." 

She sighed. "I suppose you're right. So how's Jurrel taking 
the arrival of this female? Or Banner for that 
matter?" 

"They're amused," he grinned, turning to touch his lips against her hand as she moved it away again. 
"Banner particularly. 
I think he sees me the same way he sees Jurrel, like an enthusiastic cub discovering 
the world for the first time." 

She laughed again. "I think I'm going to like this Banner! I never quite saw you like that, Brynne, I must 
admit." 

He nodded, stroking his son's back as the little one curled up, his purr becoming a slightly deeper buzz of 
pleasure. 
He could feel it, a warm, contentment that stemmed from having his mother and father together 
with him. 

"He misses me," he said, surprised. 

"Of course he does. You're his father. He cares for Gar-ras, but he knows who his father is, Brynne." 

"You did put up with a lot from me, didn't you? Yet you've never been anything but fair." 

She shrugged his compliment off. "It was you who said it, Brynne. We had to make this Link between us 
work one way or another. Who knows? If you'd had some chance at an independent life on Shola before 
our Link formed, things might have been different, but it didn't happen that way. I'm happy now with 
Garras, and it looks like you've found someone, too. You've changed, you know. But you had to find out 
for yourself what you wanted from life here. No one could tell you what you needed to know." 

"Enough of the serious stuff. Bring me up to date on what's been happening here. How are things?" 

Her face clouded over. "Bad news, I'm afraid. I didn't want to tell you right away. Kusac's and Carrie's 
ship is missing. Been overdue now for nearly a month, and the searches have turned up nothing." 

"I know. It's dreadful news. I was told a short while ago because some of my visions involved them," he 
said. 

"You saw something?" 

"Bits and pieces," he replied. "But I'm positive they're alive, somewhere." 

"Somewhere?" 


"I was seeing a white-tiled room, and experiencing an overwhelming feeling of terror. Bright lights, too," 
he added, eyes unfocusing briefly as he tried to call the images up before him. "Like the shower in my 
room at Stronghold." 

"I was seeing a white-tiled room, and experiencing an overwhelming feeling of terror. Bright lights, too," 
he added, eyes unfocusing briefly as he tried to call the images up before him. "Like the shower in my 
room at Stronghold." 

"He knows, but there's not been enough information in what I've seen to be of much help." 

"Dzaka said he's felt Carrie's presence several times," she said thoughtfully. "I think you two should talk." 

"I will," he said. "Strange he's picking up Carrie, though. I'd have thought it would be Kaid who'd try to 
contact him." 

"You know Carrie was injured, don't you? They had to leave Jalna on a U'Churian ship because they had 
cryo facilities. She was too badly hurt to wait for the contact ship." 

"That I wasn't told. I hope to God she's all right. If she's in cryo, it's even more strange that Dzaka should 
think he's sensing her. I know they're still alive, Vanna." 

* * * 

Rhyasha and Mara were taking the Touibans to their new quarters. It had taken a few days to adapt a 
house unit to their special needs, but now it was ready for them to move into. It had been decided the 
best place for them was next to the Brothers' accommodation. Luckily a house had been kept vacant 
beside theirs against just such a need. 

Six excited Touibans were something to see. To be at the center of twelve of them was like riding a roller 
coaster as they swirled and danced round the two females in a state of high excitement. That morning, 
they'd had the Touibans' personal belongings moved from their temporary quarters in the medical building 
to their new home. Several villagers had been drafted to help the Touibans rearrange their furnishings 
as 
closely as possible to the way they'd been before. 
Now they wanted to show it off to those who'd made 
it all possible. 

Though Mara had been involved in much of the work, she wasn't prepared for the sight that met her 
eyes. 

The impression was of walking into a brightly colored pavilion tent. Jewel bright patterned draperies 
covered every wall and hung looped down from the ceilings. On the floor, plush rugs in similarly bright 
colors overlapped each other, creating a feeling of warmth and soft opulence. The already subdued 
lighting was even more diffuse for being above the tented ceilings. 

Low tables and large, soft cushions were spread in the middle of the main room, while at the four corners 
stood taller tables bearing precariously placed bronze statuettes. Before each of them, sticks of incense 
and scented oils burned. 

Oh, my goodness! sent Rhyasha. Such opulence! How can they live among so many bright things! 

It's wonderful! Mara looked around, obviously in a daze, breathing in the scented air. I've got to have 
my room done up like this! It's like desert tents back on Earth! You know, nomadic folk. 

That explains it. Several of the Touiban swarms are nomadic. 
This must be one of them. You 
have your room decorated like this if you want, child I'm glad you enjoy it, since you'll spend quite 
a bit of time here working with them! I'll stick to the archaeological dig, I think. Much calmer 
surroundings. This is so loud! 


Isn't it just? Mara beamed at her. She turned to the anxious 
Toueesut. "It's absolutely wonderful. Is this 
what your homes look like?" 

Isn't it just? Mara beamed at her. She turned to the anxious 
Toueesut. "It's absolutely wonderful. Is this 
what your homes look like?" 

"When will your ladies arrive?" asked Mara. 

Toueesut released a scent that reminded her of a babbling 
stream on a hot summer's day. She looked 
closely at him, seeing his heavily mustached mouth split in a very Human grin. A trill of laughter 
surrounded her as the six who'd been hanging back while they had their tour of the premises, clustered 
round her. 

"Our ladies are always with us, how could we be without their songs that touch the softer sides of us all?" 
asked Toueesut. 

"Good gracious," said Rhyasha faintly, looking down at the almost identical sea of whiskered faces. She 
glanced again at the five around the Speaker. "Why didn't we realize?" 

"Because they usually work in sixes?" asked Mara quietly. 
"We must have one of the few full swarms on 
Shola." 

"Indeed, we do. I wondered at the time when they asked to send twelve." 

"Their scents, Rhyasha. I'm finding I get pictures in my mind when I smell them." 

Toueesut nodded almost violently with enthusiasm. "Now you see and hear the music of the minds that 
we make use of among ourselves. Never have we spoken of this before, because never have we found 
that harmony of mind outside our hives." 

A gentle perfume permeated the air, bringing images of cool springs welling from dry rocks to both 
Rhyasha and Mara. 

Toueesut sighed gustily, making the stiff bristles round his nose quiver. It was echoed by all of them. 

"We have worked many, many times with the Sholans, but it is only here we have heard a song of 
harmony of spirit and mind that is like enough to ours. We had thought ourselves alone capable of making 
such glorious music and it is a joy to all of us to know this is not so. We bless the Makers for bringing us 
to your Hive land and for letting us hear your songs." 

"We're happy to be able to hear yours, too, Speaker," said Rhyasha, bowing toward him as the six 
females danced and wove their way back to their mates. "Which one of the lucky ladies is yours?" 

He looked confused for a moment. 

Rhyasha moved her hand toward the translator she wore tucked into a pocket in her belt. 

This is why we need to carry translators, she sent to Mara. 

"No need for mechanical speakings," he said, waving his hands expressively. "Only a misunderstanding 
that is natural 
on your part when you are not even knowing six of our number are our ladies. They are 


wives to us all as we are husbands to them, with each one of us having a unique tune to bring to our 
swarm." 

wives to us all as we are husbands to them, with each one of us having a unique tune to bring to our 
swarm." 

Speaker. I hope you'll be willing to allow your swarm to help us." 

"It is for the joy of sharing such knowledge that we wished to come together within your larger Hive. We 
hope you will be willing to share yourselves in just such a way with us." 

"Of a certainty, Speaker," assured Rhyasha, watching while the six females disappeared—at least she 
assumed they were the females, since the Speaker and five others remained. 

"We would be honored if you will be joining with us to celebrate the new beginnings of our small hive on 
your garden world. A meal has been prepared using the finest of ingredients and cooking it in the best 
traditional style." Toueesut indicated the low table, surrounded by cushions. 

"We're the ones who'd be honored, Speaker," said Rhyasha, 
moving toward it. "I fear we may not be 
able to do the meal justice. Had we known, we wouldn't have eaten shortly before we came." Grin and 
enjoy it, child, she sent to Mara, even if it tastes foul. 

Startled, Mara took her seat on one of the soft cushions, looking questioningly at Rhyasha. Toueesut sat 
between them, the other five males arranging themselves around the table, leaving spaces for their wives. 

You don't know what they eat. 

Her fears proved to be groundless as the six returned bearing plates, cutlery, and several large bowls of 
hot food. It smelled familiar, Rhyasha realized as the lids were lifted up and the bowls presented to her to 
help herself. As she spooned a reasonable-sized helping onto her plate, she recognized 
it. "Isn't this a 
Sholan dish?" 

"But of course," beamed Toueesut. "Chiddoes stewed in red wine and sweet vegetables. What else 
would we serve our guests but food traditional to our new home?" 

* * * 

It was late afternoon before Brynne was able to go in search of Dzaka. He found him in the bathing area 
of the exercise hall. Meral was massaging a muscle he'd pulled while training. 
"Hello, Dzaka, Meral. Can we talk?" he asked, walking over to the massage couch. 
"I heard you were back," Dzaka said, looking up at him as Meral echoed Brynne's greeting. 
"News gets around fast," said Brynne, pulling a chair over to the couch and sitting down. 
Meral stopped working on his shoulder. "Shall I go?" he asked. 


"No, don't stop," said Dzaka. "If you leave it now, the joint'U stiffen." 
"Look, I'm sorry to bother you, but I need to know about the dreams you've had concerning Carrie, 
Kusac, or Kaid." 


Dzaka frowned, eye ridges meeting. "How does what I've seen involve you?" His tone was sharp. 
This was obviously not one of his better days, thought Brynne. "Brotherhood business," he said quietly. 



"I've also been seeing things. It's time we put them together, see what we have." 


Dzaka put his head down on his forearms again. "Father Lijou's doing that. What need have we to 
duplicate it?" 
"The need to know if we can help our friends and family," 
said Brynne, his voice taking on a hard edge. 


Self-pity was all very well, but not when lives were at stake. 
He caught sight of a concerned look from Meral and wondered why. 
"You bring discredit to Jurrel's teaching!" said Dzaka, lifting his head again, this time to glower at him. 


"Strengthen your shields or turn your psi damper up, dammit, you're broadcasting!" 


Brynne stiffened, then reached for his damper, acknowledging 
the reprimand and the truth in what his 
senior said. "I apologize, Brother Dzaka," he said. "I was with Marak and forgot to turn it on again." 
Meral leaned over the prone Sholan, speaking quietly in his ear, but Brynne caught it anyway. 
"If you tense up like this, Brother Dzaka, then nothing I do will be of much use." 
It was Meral's turn to be growled at. "Don't you Brother Dzaka me, you impudent cub!" 
As the youth stood up and reached for the massage oil, he exchanged a meaningful glance with Brynne. 
Relieved it wasn't just him, Brynne plowed on. "I've told Father Lijou what I've seen, but they're only 


glimpses of a room, nothing more. I thought perhaps if I told you about them, you might have seen 
something that would help to make sense of them. The bottom line is that I know they're still alive." 
That got his attention. "What have you seen?" he demanded, 
sitting up. 


Brynne told him of the tiled room and the bright lights, then the insubstantial dreams of coldness and fear. 
"Like mine, something and nothing," Dzaka murmured when he'd done. "I've had the odd one about 
being chased through the forest. Ouch! Watch it, Meral!" he exclaimed, turning to look at his friend. 


"It isn't as easy when you're sitting up," objected the young male. "Don't complain at me when it was you 


who said to carry on. I'm only doing what you asked." 
Brynne was grateful for the interruption. He was sure his shock at knowing Dzaka had experienced 
Keeza's flight would have been only too plain on his face. When Dzaka turned back, he'd managed to 
compose himself again. 


"I had a strange one a few nights ago. I was with Kashini in the nursery and I swear I saw Carrie, yet it 
also felt like my father. Very confusing," he said, shaking his head. "She was warning me of danger, I 
think." 


"Who's in danger, though? Us or them? I think it's us, because why try to warn us otherwise?" 


"Carrie was in cryo, Brynne. How could she warn us? And even if she weren't, she couldn't reach us 
over such a vast distance. It could have been just my own wishful thinking." 
"I seem to remember hearing that it was Carrie who picked up Rezac's sending all the way from Jalna. 


And what better focus could she have than her daughter if she thought she was in danger?" 
"How would she know anything about what was going on if she was in cryo?" 



"I heard that Carrie dreams in cryo," said Meral, continuing 
to knead Dzaka's left shoulder. "Might be 
no more than gossip." 
"Where d'you hear that?" asked Brynne. 
"On the Khalossa, when I was first assigned to them as bodyguard. Heard it from a Human called Skai." 


"Gossip," dismissed Dzaka. "Nothing more than gossip." 
"I don't think so. Skai and she were both on that first crossing from Earth. As soon as they woke her, 
Carrie told them her mother had died. That was the beginning of the Humans' fear of her." 


"I never heard of anyone either dreaming or being aware in cryo before," said Dzaka. 
"She's Human, remember? Not a Sholan. Just because no Sholan has experienced it doesn't mean she 


didn't. Hell, this world has done weird things to me with all the visions I've been having! Whoever heard 
of anyone actually meeting 
a God, for God's sake!" said Brynne. 
"You met a God?" Dzaka leaned forward intently, ignoring 
Meral's exasperated exclamation. 
A chittering at the far side of the room, followed by raised voices, drew their attention. 
" 'Scuse me," said Brynne, getting up hurriedly. He returned 
with Belle. 
"Get that damned piece of vermin out of…" they heard as the door banged open. "Oh. Excuse me, 


Brother Dzaka, Brother Meral, but…" 


Dzaka had caught sight of the jegget in Brynne's arms and now turned to meet the angry intruder. "Yes, 
Lasad?" he asked, raising an eye ridge. 
"He's got a jegget in here!" 
"Brother Brynne has, indeed, got a jegget. Full marks for noticing it," Dzaka said dryly. "Perhaps you also 


noticed 
that we're busy? Or don't your powers of perception stretch that far?" 
"Yes, Brother Dzaka, but…" 
"She's a gift from Vartra, and approved to live with me at Stronghold and the Retreat by Father Lijou 


himself," said Brynne. "I thought all Brothers had to acquaint themselves 
with the daily updates from 
Stronghold. Seems to me you forgot to do so over the last couple of days or you'd have been aware 
that." He stopped for a moment, picking up the other's thoughts. "And the Aldatan colors are red and 
black, not what I'm wearing. I'm a Brother like yourself." 

Lasad's ears laid back in shame as he mumbled an apology 
and backed out hurriedly. 

"See that the rest know about her," Brynne called out as a parting shot. When he resumed his seat, he 
could feel both Dzaka's and Meral's surprise and amusement. 
"Seems that Stronghold suits you well," murmured Dzaka. "Where did you say this jegget came from?" 
Brynne hesitated. He wasn't sure if he was supposed to talk about his dream-walks. He decided he 


needed to be honest with him. "I haven't told you this, you realize. Der-went called me to a dream world 
one night. Had it not been for Vartra, he'd have dominated my mind and made me take him to 
Stronghold." 


Dzaka and Meral stared at him. 


"It's what I was doing with Derwent," he said. "Going into other realities, entering dream worlds. He 
wanted me to join him in the forest and lead him to Stronghold." 
"Vartra saved you?" 
Brynne nodded. "Belle bit me at the crucial moment, then Vartra arrived and brought me back." 
"I didn't know that was possible," said Meral. 
"I think you're not supposed to know about it," said Brynne apologetically. "It's what happens when we 


have visions, as best as I can tell. We're somewhere else, outside time and space—a dream world." 
"What did Vartra say?" 
"To keep faith with those I trust," he said, looking up and locking eyes with him. "That's why I know 


they're alive," he said, stroking Belle's head as she purred and chirruped happily. "He also gave me a 


coin." 
Dzaka jumped down from the massage couch. "We've work to do," he said briskly. "Ghyan keeps 
records of the dreams and visions from the estate. We're going to see him. What do you call her?" He 
stopped to scratch behind the jegget's ears. "She's rather cute." 


"Belle. It means beautiful in my language." 
"I'm coming with you," said Meral, recapping the oil and wiping his hands on a towel. "Wait for me." 
Keeza couldn't believe the size of the house that Brynne lived in. While he went off to see his Leska and 


their son, Banner and Jurrel remained with her. They were content to leave her to her own devices so 


long as she remained within the building. 
It was large compared to anywhere she'd lived, having a lounge, a den, and three bedrooms. The kitchen 
was so spacious it even had room for a table! As for the bathing room, it had both a bath and a shower. 
All this space for one person overwhelmed her. 


She decided to try out the delights of a bath while the two males started cooking something for third 


meal. 
"Keep an ear on Ghaysa, Jurrel," said Banner, going over to Brynne's desk and activating the comm. "I 
want to see what I can find out about her." 


"He's my pupil, Banner. Unless I have good reasons, I won't go behind his back like this," he said, his 


tone carrying 
a low rumble of annoyance. 
"You aren't, I am," said Banner, punching in a Brotherhood 
security clearance. "It's not Brynne I 
mistrust, it's Ghaysa. Damned convenient, this memory loss of hers." 


"It's genuine, as are the times when Brynne picks up her returning memories." 
"We'll see," he said, entering Ghaysa's description into his search of the Protectorate's data bank. "You 


said that in his dreams, she was running from something. Chances are she's escaped from some 
correction facility." 
Jurrel continued to mutter his disapproval. "Even if you do find something, we still have the problem of 



there being a bond between them, one we'll not easily break, if at all." 

there being a bond between them, one we'll not easily break, if at all." 

"You're trying to find proof to justify your suspicions. She's a telepath, probably a Level One like Brynne. 
She could be innocent of anything except running away from her bond-family." 

"I've found something," Banner said. "An anomalous entry. A female called Keeza Lassah, executed five 
months ago. That's all the information there is. The rest is locked. Not even an image of her, or 
description of her crime." He looked over at Jurrel. "This has our mark on it, Jurrel." 

"Now you're being ridiculous. If it was her, Stronghold would be looking for her, and we'd know about 
it." 

"Not if her mission was known only to a few. And re-member, we've been off-world for the last year." 
He turned back to the comm, beginning to enter a new destination. "If she was to be executed, then the 
newscasts must have carried her story." 

"You're on the wrong trail. This is such a long shot, Banner, that it's not worth considering!" 

"You think so?" he asked quietly. "Come and look at Brynne's Ghaysa, convicted of murdering a Pack 
Lord." 

After her bath, Ghaysa joined Banner and Jurrel in the den. Immediately she sensed a difference in their 
attitude toward her. They concealed it well, but now they were wary of her, one of them keeping his eyes 
on her all the time. 

When Brynne finally returned, it was with relief that she rose to greet him. As he put the jegget down and 
made his way over to her, Jurrel spoke up. 

"Brynne, there's something you should know," he began. 

"I know already," he said quietly, before giving Keeza a hug. "Leave it for now, please. We'll talk later." 
He could feel their concern at being put off, but all he could do was send reassuring thoughts in their 
direction with no guarantee 
of how well they could receive them. He hoped it was enough. 

"I've some friends coming over later that I'd like you to meet," he said to Jurrel. "You too, Banner. He 
remembers you. Dzaka Arrazo, Kaid's son, and Meral, Taizia Alda-tan's mate." 

"Dzaka Arrazo? Are you sure? The Dzaka I knew wasn't an Arrazo, and he was only Kaid's foster son." 

Brynne shook his head. "No, he's Kaid's true son, and his mother was Khemu Arrazo. Dzaka and I are 
combining our visions and dreams with those Father Ghyan has collected 
from the estate over the last 
few weeks. We want to see if we can pick up anything he and Father Lijou may have missed. I'd like 
your input, especially as you were with me when I had the dreams, Jurrel." 

"Surely, but what about Ghaysa?" 

"I've arranged something for Ghaysa to do," he said, steering her to the nearest chair. "Vanna's sister 
Sashti is here. She's a masseur, has her own business. You'll like her, Ghaysa. She's agreed to come over 
tonight to—as she puts it—spoil you rotten! All the works—a massage, oils, shower, everything. Does 
that sound good?" 


Bewildered, she looked up at him. 


"No, I don't think you need it. I think you'd like it after living rough for so long. Come on, humor me, 
please?" 
"It sounds wonderful," she said, as vague memories of similar sessions came back to her. A house in 


Ranz, it had been, one she couldn't leave for some reason. Despite that, she remembered her stay there 
had not been unpleasant. It frustrated her, wanting to know more, yet fearing it at the same time. She 
wished she could remember only the good things. 


Stop worrying, he sent. Just stay upstairs with Sashti in case anyone recognizes you. 
What about Sashti? 
She won't know you, trust me. 


Sashti arrived just after they'd eaten third meal, and whisked Keeza upstairs, leaving time to talk before 
Dzaka and Meral arrived. 

"I know she's Keeza Lassah," he said without preamble. "But I know she killed that Pack Lord for a 
good reason." 

"The judge thought otherwise," said Jurrel. "I'm not saying 
I agree," he added, "just stating facts." 

"She's dangerous, Brynne." Banner's voice was deep with concern. "There's more. The fact she's listed 
as dead means she was released into custody, and that can only be to one of two groups. Us, or the 
Forces' Intelligence. Whatever 
they wanted her for, she's escaped from them. If we try to dig deeper, 
we're going to draw attention to ourselves, 
and inevitably, her. Meanwhile, you particularly are at risk 
when you're alone with her." 

"She wouldn't hurt me," he said. "You're not telling me anything I hadn't worked out for myself. Whatever 
she's done, she was used by powers that she couldn't refuse. Dammit, she's been treated abominably! 
And I want those responsible!" 

"In doing that, you'll give her away," Jurrel reminded him. "Which is exactly what you want to avoid. 
She's been convicted of murder, Brynne, before she was recruited. We're all at risk here—the whole 
estate is. If she's frightened, 
there's no saying what she'll do, who she might kill. 

You're playing with someone who's capable of going totally feral. I don't think you realize that." 

"I know I trust her," he said calmly. "And I trust you. What are you going to do now you know?" 

"Watch her carefully for now," said Jurrel. 

Banner gave a rumble of disagreement. "We should turn her over to the authorities." 

"What are you going to do?" repeated Brynne, looking at him. 

"I haven't decided!" Banner said, exasperated. 

"I need some time," said Brynne. "She's a telepath, and I think an unregistered one. That being the case, 
she needs to be tested for the altered genes. She'd have been in prison when they did the tests. They 
wouldn't have thought to check condemned criminals. Would it help any if she's like me? She'd be an 
En'Shallan then, subject only to Father Lijou." 


"It wouldn't wipe out what she's done," said Banner. 

"It wouldn't wipe out what she's done," said Banner. 

"She'd not be Keeza any longer if they did that," objected 
Brynne. "I'm not surprised she turned it 
down." 

"Depends what she's done in the meantime," said Banner. 
"They rarely use people like her for anything 
but suicide 
missions." 

"If they did, then whatever she'd done would be part of the mission imperative," argued Jurrel. "I think if 
she agrees to reprogramming, it would go a long way to helping. 
The newsvids said nothing about her 
being a telepath. If she's a latent, just awakened, then being gene-altered wouldn't hurt either," he added. 

The door chime sounded and Brynne got to his feet. "This'U have to wait. I appreciate you saying nothing 
for now at least." 

Day 30 

Ghyan's records proved to be unable to add anything to what Dzaka and Brynne had experienced. 
However, they did manage to drag more details out of Brynne concerning the room. The general 
consensus was that it was a medical area. When discussing Dzaka's experience of thinking he saw 
Carrie, they kept in mind that she'd traveled back in time, and that she'd picked up Rezac mentally when 
he sent from Jalna. It was possible that she'd been trying to warn them of danger yet to come, but equally 
possible she was just concerned about her child. The rest they put down to a forewarning of the ship 
going missing, and the cryo area in the U'Churian ship. 

Brynne had offered to return the files to Ghyan the next day. He was up early, making an unscheduled 
call at the medical unit, then back home before leaving for the Shrine. When he arrived at the priest's 
office, he found Ghyan interested to hear about his studies at Stronghold. 

Eventually, he got the chance to ask the questions he wanted. "On Earth, our priests make vows that 
anything revealed to them as a confession is never spoken of to anyone else. It's private and above the 
law. Is that the case with our Order?" 

Ghyan looked consideringly at him. "There are special occasions when that's so," he agreed. "Are you 
wanting to discuss such a matter with me?" 

"I might," said Brynne, "if I knew that it would remain private, no matter what it concerned." 

"Something's troubling you deeply, isn't it? Obviously you're afraid of the action I may feel obliged to take 
once I know what this is about." 

Brynne nodded. 

"And am I right in saying you won't tell me unless you get those assurances?" 

"Yes. I'm not asking for selfish reasons, Father. I want to help someone." 

"Someone more scared than yourself? That would be very troubled indeed," Ghyan said, sitting back in 
his chair, watching him. 


"It's not my story to tell, Father Ghyan. The person concerned 
trusts me." 

"It's not my story to tell, Father Ghyan. The person concerned 
trusts me." 

"One who's been badly mistreated. One who has no place to go to, no one to turn to but me." 

"I can't withhold my help, Brynne. I'm not happy about granting this anonymity to your friend. I dislike 
doing it when I have a feeling the matter is likely to involve the law. Is this person one of Vartra's 
followers?" 

"I honestly don't know, Father Ghyan, but this person is one of us and comes under the God's 
protection." 

"One of us? In what way?" His brows met in a frown. 

"En'Shalla. A gene-altered telepath, and linked somehow psychically to me." 

"You have proof? If I'm going to get involved with something 
that concerns the Protectorate, I need to 
be sure of the facts beforehand." 

Brynne took a piece of paper out of his pocket and handed it to him. "The gene test result. Obviously it 
can belong only to the person concerned." 

Ghyan took it from him and examined it. "Can I keep it?" 

Brynne reached out to retrieve it. "I'm afraid not, Father. It's my proof for this person. I can't let it out of 
my possession." 

Ghyan sighed. "Very well, you have my word that this will be a matter between ourselves and Vartra." 

* * * 

Kaid lay awake that night, able to rest his body but not his mind. He'd been gone almost three days this 
time, T'Chebbi said. The Primes had had enough opportunity to watch the pairs to know about their five 
day cycles and recognize he and Carrie had a mental bond. Thankfully, they'd let them remain together 
for their first Link day. And gave them another for good behavior, he added cynically. 

He thought back to when he'd had the first of the pain attacks, now eighteen days ago. It should have 
been obvious 
to him even then, with the pain over the ribs, exactly where Carrie had been hit, what was 
happening. No, it hadn't been then. That had happened a day earlier, when he'd had difficulty breathing 
and first seen the bright lights. 

Remember Winter's kiss. The words echoed in his mind again, as did the touch of a cold tongue. He 
shivered, remembering 
he'd thought Carrie looked as if she'd been touched by Khuushoi, Goddess of 
Winter, when he'd left her in cryo. Maybe she had. The thought unnerved him and he turned his mind 
away from it. 

So twenty days ago, they must have transferred Carrie from cryo to their stasis field. Then, a day later, 
when he'd felt the most pain, they'd brought her out to operate on her wound. When she began to sicken 
because of Link deprivation, they must have had to return her to stasis, hoping a short period there would 
stabilize her. It hadn't, as he'd found out himself when they'd repeatedly tried to wake her. No wonder 
she'd looked so ill. It was a wonder she'd survived. 

Psi dampers could affect Leska partners—he vaguely remembered 
tests Esken had run on Carrie and 


Kusac at the Telepath Guild—but they weren't able to prevent the demands on mind and body that the 
Link generated. With their minds isolated, their need to be together physically in the same place was even 
greater. He'd bet his life that the Primes hadn't taken that into consideration yet. Then he realized that his 
life did depend on them being reunited. 

Kusac at the Telepath Guild—but they weren't able to prevent the demands on mind and body that the 
Link generated. With their minds isolated, their need to be together physically in the same place was even 
greater. He'd bet his life that the Primes hadn't taken that into consideration yet. Then he realized that his 
life did depend on them being reunited. 

He rose early, glad to end the night that had brought him so little rest. Some sixth sense made him quietly 
check the other rooms. In the one next to his were two empty beds. Jo and Manesh were on watch. 
With their help, he checked the whole suite before rousing Tirak. 

"What's up?" he asked. One look at Kaid with his fingers over his lips and he hauled on his tunic and 
followed him into the lounge. 

"Two more are gone," said Kaid. "Giyesh and Jeran this time." 

Tirak mouthed some colorful expletives. "Because they're of different species?" 

Kaid nodded. "My guess is they want to see if your people 
are genetically compatible with us or the 
Humans." 

"But they're not telepathic!" exclaimed Manesh. 

"Jeran is capable of receiving mental communications," said Kaid, glancing over to her. "I suspect he's a 
sensitive who's been enhanced by the laalquoi in the food chain on Jalna." 

"Dammit! We've got to get out of here, Kaid!" said Tirak. 

"Agreed, but we wait until they and Carrie are returned." 

* * * 

Kezule had taken four days to work his way along the several miles of the landward estate perimeter. His 
recent brush with the Sholans had made him even more cautious, checking out and watching their security 
systems thoroughly. 
The boundary was deep within the forested area, and though a swath several feet 
wide had been cut back on either side of the fencing, he'd been able to travel unseen 
by using either the 
tree canopy or the dense ground cover. 

For the upper section of the estate, by the main gatehouse, 
the fencing was eight feet tall in addition to 
the detector grid alarm system. Farther down the fifty-mil e-long peninsula where he now was, the 
fencing had been reduced to a mere three feet to allow the free passage of wild animals. He'd tried 
lobbing a stone at the perimeter while some of the larger beasts leaped through, but an air-car had been 
there within minutes. Two armed soldiers, covered by a third in the vehicle, had gotten out and 
thoroughly 
inspected the area before leaving. Only the fact he'd used his natural coloration to conceal 
himself in the trees overhead had prevented his discovery. 

His clothing bundled up on the branch beside him, he stayed there even after they'd left. In his mind, he 
reviewed what he knew about their security. Leaving aside the perimeter 
fencing, there was the 
detection field; aircar patrols at regular times; foot patrols round the perimeter at irregular intervals day 
and night, and satellite surveillance relayed directly to the gatehouse if the antennae on the gatehouse 
were anything to judge by. At the gatehouse itself, nearly all vehicles and occupants were checked 
physically by the soldiers for intruders—those that weren't flew straight over, having obviously 


transmitted some security code to the guards first. 

transmitted some security code to the guards first. 

On his travels, he'd passed three alternative exits from the estate. Two were disused and chained closed. 
The third, however, was in daily use for access to the nearby coastal town of Khifsoe. He'd stayed there 
a day and night, hidden in the trees as he was now, observing groups of soldiers, some on foot, some in 
vehicles, passing through, presumably 
on leave. There'd been a checkpoint, too, but nowhere near as 
large as the one at the main entrance. Time to head back up there and look for any weak points. Even 
among his own troops at Khezy'ipik there had been those who would take unlicensed leave when off 
duty. He was sure these Sholans would be no different. Guarding an essentially 
safe compound led to 
boredom and the need to seek excitement elsewhere. That was achieved by beating the security system 
to go outside without permission. 

Slinging his bundle over his shoulder, he began to move along the branch, ready to retrace his route. At 
least the weather was better now, more suited to his kind than the dampness he'd endured when he first 
escaped. Game, small and large, was plentiful, and so long as he took care to hunt wisely, he'd not draw 
attention to himself. 

CHAPTER 12 

Day 31 

Giyesh could hear voices. They sounded faint and far away. She concentrated on them, becoming 
gradually more aware not only of what was being said, but of her surroundings. 

Above her was a large expanse of whiteness. The ceiling, she realized. Trying to move, she found she 
couldn't. Her limbs felt dead, as if paralyzed. Strangely, she felt no fear. An unfamiliar scent was in the 
air. There was a dry musti-ness about it. 

She heard a low, vibrating hum, a buzzing almost, that was drowned out as a translator began rendering it 
into speech she could understand. 

"Sensitivity has some this one. Mind level for speaking low." 

"Can they work as a pair like the others?" Again the translator's electronic voice interpreted the words. 

She was hearing Primes talking. There must be one in the room without his armor on! 

"Female brain no speaking signals producing from." 

"Then why do they associate intimately? What is the purpose?" 

"How know I? My time waste you. M'zullians work mine is. Stupidity yours. Not helpful this." 

"These ones need to be questioned further before they can be returned." 

"Yourself do. Priest Interface unstable is. This told you I. Stability wanted then Interface implant. Not 
safe for Enlightened 
One close to be him." 

"Not acceptable. I want to observe the effects of the new drug coupled with sleep programming." 


"Monitoring for him constant required. Implant work. 
Why change. M'zullians when near Sholans behave. Check weekly levels only. Problem priest is." 
"I've told you, the guards either over-react or fail to respond. We need them able to decide for 


themselves what level of aggression is appropriate." 


A burst of static was the answer this time, then she heard the humming again as it and the scent came 
closer. 
"Waking female is. Sedate further need I do." 
Cool fingers touched her throat, parting her long pelt, and as something stung her neck, she jerked her 


head round. Large oval eyes, their lower lenses still whirling as they adjusted for close work, peered 


down at her from above a tiny mouth edged by two mandibles. She began to scream. 
The first they knew of Giyesh's return was her scream. Kaid and Sheeowl, closely followed by Manesh, 
ran as far as door to her room, waiting there while her bunk mates quieted her. 


"No Jeran," said Sheeowl, peering in. 
"I saw one!" Giyesh shrieked, trying to push Sayuk away. "It has pincers on its face and huge, swirling 


black eyes! It had pincers on its face! Let me go! I've got to get out of here!" She heaved Sayuk aside 
and began racing for the door, eyes staring, pelt bushed out to twice its size. 
Manesh leaped in front of her, trying to grab her but was sent spinning by a backhanded blow. She did 


manage to grab Giyesh's hand, but the hysterical female turned on her, claws extended. Kaid stepped in, 
delivering one well-aimed blow to the back of her neck. She crashed to the floor unconscious. 
"T'Chebbi, medikit!" he called, bending down to scoop the unconscious female up. 


"Thanks," said Manesh, rubbing her bruised cheek. "Didn't think she was capable of that." 
"Terror can give you strength," said Kaid, carrying Giyesh 
to the door. He stopped, looking at the group 
of concerned 
faces blocking his way. "Move it!" he snarled. "You should be used to this by now!" He 
pushed them aside and made his way through to the lounge, putting Giyesh down on the nearest couch. 


He looked up at Tirak as T'Chebbi handed him their medikit. "She'll only be out for a few minutes," he 
said. "I'd like to give her a tranquilizer, if you've no objections. Our drugs won't harm her, and might just 
do some good." 


Tirak nodded. "Can't leave her in this state. Reckon she saw one of them?" 


"She certainly saw something," said Kaid, loading the hypo and placing it against Giyesh's neck. 
"Whether or not it was a Prime is another matter." 
Sayuk and Manesh came limping in to join them. 
"I'll treat Giyesh with a little more respect after this," said Sayuk sitting down. "If she's so scared of what 


she saw, why'd she want to leave the rest of us?" 
"She didn't," said Rezac. "She was hysterical." 
Kaid handed the hypo back to T'Chebbi then squatted on the floor beside her, waiting for Giyesh to 


wake. 



"My food's still warm," said Zashou from her seat at the table. There was an audible tremor in her voice. 
"Food?" said Kate, clutching Taynar's arm. "You're talking 
about food at a time like this?" 
"How warm?" Kaid asked sharply. "Five minutes? Less?" 
"Five," she said, looking over at him. "We've been out of it for five minutes." 
"Check comm units," said Kaid, looking at his. "Anybody's 
not working?" 
"I was using the rec unit," said Taynar, moving back to check it. 
"What's the matter with you all?" Kate demanded, her voice becoming shrill. "Giyesh has come back 


alone and she's seen something awful and all you can talk about is food and comms and…" 
"We're trying to find out what they do to us when they come in here, Kate," said Kaid gently. "This is the 


first time they've not picked their time carefully. Zashou was eating, and Taynar was using the rec unit. 
Usually we're all asleep, or at least resting." 
"Game's still stopped," Taynar said, pressing the controls on the pad. "Frozen, in fact. Have to reset it." 
"Electrical?" asked Tirak. "Right frequency could knock us out as well as the equipment." 
A moan from Giyesh focused their attention back on her. 
"Hold her legs, just in case," Kaid told T'Chebbi as he got a grip on her forearms, pressing them against 


the seat. 


Giyesh moaned again, blinking up at him. "Kaid?" She tried to lift her arm and found it held down. "What 
are you doing?" she demanded. "I want to sit up!" 
"How're you feeling?" he asked. 
"My neck hurts. I want to rub it. What the hell do you think you're doing?" She struggled futilely against 


them, looking around wildly. She caught sight of Tirak a few feet away. "Captain! What's going on?" 


"I think you can let her up now, Kaid," said Tirak. "You were taken by the Primes, Giyesh. When they 
returned you, you had a panic attack." 
"You said you'd seen something. A face," reminded Kaid, still crouching near her. 
She frowned, then a look of horror crossed her face. "I did! Whirling eyes and… pincers! They were 


talking, I heard them talking!" Her hands clenched the edge of the couch, knuckles showing through her 
dark pelt. 


Kaid glanced up at Tirak. "How could you understand them?" 
"They were using translators. I smelled one of them. It was out of its suit. It needed the translator so the 
other one could hear it." She looked round the sea of disbelieving faces. "I did hear them," she said 
belligerently. 


"I'm sure you heard something." said Tirak calmly, sitting 
down on the arm of the couch. "What about 
the scent. What did it smell like?" 
"Dry and stale. Kind of musty. Like nothing I've smelled before." 



"Jeran mentioned a smell when J'koshuk took him," said Jo. 


"Why would they use translators to talk to each other?" asked Mrowbay. "Even if one was out of its suit? 
They can hear us, can't they? Surely they'd use their own language." 
"What about a universal translator in the room?" asked Zashou. "We came across something like it back 


on K'oish'ik." 


"That's it," agreed Giyesh, pouncing on the idea. "That's got to be it! We're all speaking Sholan because 
you gave the knowledge of it to us, but I heard the Primes speaking U'Churian today!" 
"What did they say, Giyesh?" asked Tirak. 
"They're using implants on the Valtegans to change them," she said. "But not on J'koshuk. On him they're 


using drugs. One said he's unstable and has to be watched." 
Rezac snorted in disgust. "Tell me about it!" 
"Change them how?" asked Kaid. 
"The way they behave to you," she said. "I remembered it because it was so strange. Why should it 


matter to them how the Valtegans treat you Sholans?" 
"Valtegans hate us so much, might be just using us as test case," said T'Chebbi. 
"I saw Valtegans when they took me," said Kaid thoughtfully. 
"Eh? It was the Prime guards that came for you," said Tirak, surprised. 
"They towed my floater and waited in the stasis room. Their behavior was totally different from when we 


were on the M'ijikk. More docile. I didn't notice any implants." 


"Weren't in much of a state to notice anything," said T'Chebbi. "You said J'koshuk was different too. 
Noticed it myself. Far less aggressive." 
"Not when with us," said Annuur's translator, as the Cabbaran nosed his way through the others to Raid's 


side. "Told you. Pretended to kill us one at a time." 


"The J'koshuk I met would've killed you," said Rezac, leaning over the back of the couch to look down 
at the Cabbaran. 
"We come back to my theory that maybe these are the ones the Valtegans are fighting," said Tirak. 
"Why readjust the Valtegans, though?" asked Jo. "Doesn't make sense to waste all that effort on 


captives." 
Annuur wrinkled his mobile lip expressively. "Aliens. Who guesses their motives?" 
Kaid had to smile. 
"Maybe they'll release them with a purpose. Like killing superiors when get back home," suggested 


T'Chebbi. "Fits in with possibility they at war with Primes." 
"I'd have expected a more violent reaction from the Valtegans 
to the mere sight of them when we were 
taken off the M'ijikk," said Kaid, "considering how they behave toward us after fifteen hundred years!" 



"Got a point there," T'Chebbi admitted, scratching her ear. 
"One of the Primes said the implants had been designed for the M'zullians," said Giyesh. "That J'koshuk 
isn't implanted. 
The other said he wanted to use new drugs on J'koshuk so that, unlike the guards, he 
could judge what level of aggression was needed in any situation. I think he meant the guards only follow 

"Got a point there," T'Chebbi admitted, scratching her ear. 
"One of the Primes said the implants had been designed for the M'zullians," said Giyesh. "That J'koshuk 
isn't implanted. 
The other said he wanted to use new drugs on J'koshuk so that, unlike the guards, he 
could judge what level of aggression was needed in any situation. I think he meant the guards only follow 
h 
J'koshuk." 
"That could describe what we've seen of the guards," agreed Tirak. "Enlightened One, eh? Sounds like 


they have someone important on board." 
"They would have. What I've seen of their stasis and medical sections suggest they're equipped for a 


conflict," said Kaid, getting up. "This has given us even more questions 
and not one answer, I'm afraid. 
Did you overhear anything about why they've kept Jeran?" 
"One said he was sensitive, the other wanted to know if we could work as a pair. We don't have the right 


brain patterns for telepathy, apparently. They wanted to ask us more questions before returning us, but I 
don't remember being asked anything." 


"So why return you?" asked Zashou. 
"They knew I was awake and could hear them. It was that face!" Giyesh shivered, clutching her arms 
about her chest. "Those huge eyes with the dark centers, and the pincers!" 


"More likely it was your scream," snorted Mrowbay. "Enough to wake the dead it was!" 


Kaid reached out to grip Giyesh's shoulder comfortingly. "There's no point in getting upset about it, 
Giyesh. Whoever 
they are, they've been here all along. So far, they haven't actually harmed us." 
"They kept Carrie from you," she said quietly. 
Raid's ears dipped. "They may yet return her." 
"At least we've an idea of how they get in and out of here without us knowing," said Jo. "Makes it less 


frightening." 
"Not to me," said Zashou. 
"Nor me," agreed Giyesh. 


* * * 

Brynne had asked Jurrel and Banner to let him have the afternoon alone in the house with Keeza. 


"You want me to do what?" demanded a shocked Keeza. She got up and began to pace round the den, 
tail flicking in agitation. Stopping suddenly, she said, "Tell me again why this matters." 
Brynne sighed and began again. This would make the third time. "I want you to bond with me," he said. 
"That bit I do understand," she interrupted. "It's the next I don't." 
"We're genetically compatible, which means we could have cubs with each other. Because of this…" 
"That just isn't possible," she said, sitting down on the chair next to him. "You're Human, I'm not. How 


could we possibly share cubs?" 



"Just take my word for it," he said, reaching across to take hold of her hand. It lay passive in his. "There 
are two Human and Sholan hybrid cubs on the estate already, one of them mine. I told you I went to visit 
my Leska and our son yesterday. You didn't doubt me then." 

"Just take my word for it," he said, reaching across to take hold of her hand. It lay passive in his. "There 
are two Human and Sholan hybrid cubs on the estate already, one of them mine. I told you I went to visit 
my Leska and our son yesterday. You didn't doubt me then." 

"I'm not asking you to have a cub, Keeza, only to go through a bonding ceremony with me. Because we 
could have cubs together, our priest, Ghyan, is willing to perform the ceremony, that's all. He knows who 
you are…" 

He stopped as she tried to pull away from him with a cry of distress. "Keeza, stop panicking! He's a 
priest of Vartra, bound by his Order not to reveal confidential conversations 
with his congregation to 
anyone. It'll give you more security if you're my bond-mate. Make it more difficult 
for any authorities to 
take you off the estate." 

"What's so special about this estate?" 

"It's the En'Shalla estate. Three people walked the Fire Margins to win us—the mixed Leskas—the right 
to have our own Clan." 

"I think I remember reading about it," she said vaguely. "But we're not Leskas." 

"You're a telepath, and your genes are similar to everyone's 
here. If you marry me, you become 
En'Shalla, too. The Gods' will, Keeza, subject only to the Order of Vartra. Now do you understand?" 

She nodded slowly, putting her hand up to tuck a shorter lock of hair behind her ear. "How long a 
contract are you suggesting?" 

Brynne watched her. He'd found himself trying to memorize 
her every little gesture. This was one of her 
most endearing. 
When she did that, she looked as if she was Kitra's age. "I've thought about this," he 
said, taking his time. "The only one that makes sense and gives you the protection 
you need, is a 
life-bonding." He felt her hand clench slightly within his and rushed on before she could say anything. 
"Before you object, once we've sorted this out, you needn't stay with me if you don't want to. You can 
think of it as a marriage of convenience if you prefer." 

"You know nothing about me except what you've shared in my mind," she said quietly. "Most of my past 
life is a complete mystery even to me. I can't even remember what I've done since I was taken from the 
prison." 

"Like you said, I've felt your mind. You're not a killer, Keeza. Whatever you did, you must have had 
good reasons. I trust you." 

"You're a fool, Brynne," she said, looking him straight in the eyes. "You've read the reports. You know I 
worked my way into a Pack Lord's den then killed him. How d'you know I won't do the same to you?" 

"Because I know you love me," he said, reaching out to pull her into the chair with him. "Just as you 
know I love you. I realize it's sudden, but my proposal is quite real—if you'll have me." 

"How do we reach this shrine without me being seen?" she asked, returning his kiss as his lips brushed 
hers. 

"I get Father Ghyan on the comm and ask him to come here. It's all arranged," he murmured. "But I don't 
need to call him just yet." 


Sister Vaidou pressed a small sterile dressing over the cut on Brynne's palm, then turned to do the same 
for Keeza. 

Sister Vaidou pressed a small sterile dressing over the cut on Brynne's palm, then turned to do the same 
for Keeza. 

Hurriedly Keeza took her hand away from her .mouth and wiped it along her thigh to dry it off. "It was 
bleeding," she said. 

"You'll have gotten dirt in it now," said the Sister, checking 
that Keeza's palm was dry enough. Blood 
was welling again from the narrow cut that ran across the pad in the center of her hand. "It's meant to 
bleed. How else can you and Brynne share your blood?" She smiled as she applied the dressing. "This 
must have been a spring romance for you both. So sudden." 

Keeza didn't quite know how to answer, then Brynne came to her rescue. 

"Not so sudden, Vaidou," he said, standing behind his new wife and resting his hands on her hips. "We 
met mentally 
weeks ago." He shrugged, smiling. "Working here, you know how it is with telepaths. 
There's more than one way to get to know a person." 

"Yes," said Vaidou uncertainly. 

"Let's go and help Ghyan clear up," Brynne whispered in Keeza's ear, urging her past the Sister. 

Ghyan was standing at the table he'd used for performing the bonding ceremony, packing away the very 
new estate register book and the ceremonial knife. 

Brynne watched the priest's eyes narrow briefly, then widen in surprise as they approached him. "Can we 
help you?" he asked. "We can't thank you enough for doing this." 

Ghyan took Keeza by the hand. "I'm done now. It's a pleasure to be able to help you. Did you know that 
years ago, Kusac and I were friends at the Guild?" he said. "I left for the temple at Valsgarth a couple of 
years before Kusac disappeared. No one was more surprised than me when he turned up here with his 
Carrie. I threw my lot in with him the night he asked me to marry him to his Human Leska." 

"Kusac disappeared?" Brynne was confused. 

"He was very different back then," said Ghyan, perching on the edge of the table. "Much quieter, a very 
conscientious 
student who had no idea how to relax. Then he ran off and joined the Forces, posing as a 
low-grade telepath. We didn't know what had become of him for a year. It wasn't till his message for 
help was picked up by the Kha-lossa that we found out he'd been shot down on Keiss by the Valtegans 
along with Vanna and Garras, and he'd met Carrie." 

"I didn't realize he'd been in the military," said Brynne. "And you married them?" 

Ghyan's mouth opened in a slow smile. "Yes, it was my pleasure to be able to perform my friend's 
life-bonding ceremony. 
He was betrothed to someone else, and unable by law to even enter into a 
short-term bonding contract because 
of that. It wasn't till he discovered Carrie was carrying 
their cub 
that he realized they had the right to marry. Their hybrid cub negated the betrothal contract, you see." 

"I'd heard some of this," said Brynne, "Why are you telling us this? Not that I'm complaining, you 
understand." 

Ghyan looked from one to the other. "Just letting you know you're not the first couple I've helped, that's 
all," he said lightly, patting Keeza's hand before letting it go. "I hope everything works out for you. If I can 


be of any more help, please don't hesitate to ask." 

be of any more help, please don't hesitate to ask." 
d 
you our secret's safe with Father Ghyan and Sister Vaidou. 
I know! 


Then he realized what Father Ghyan had been alluding to. It rendered him speechless. 

Ghyan caught his look and nodded, raising an eye ridge. "Ah. I see you've just found out the good news," 
he said, smiling again as he got down from the table and picked up his case. "It seems that more and 
more often these days, my wishes for a fruitful marriage are unnecessary." 

There wasn't much Brynne could say until after the priest and his aide had left. 

"Why?" he asked, coming back into the den. "Didn't you trust me enough? Did you feel a cub would 
make you safer?" Had she been even more manipulative than she'd suggested? Had he been fooled the 
way she'd fooled the Pack Lord? 

She put her hands over her face and just sat there. "No! At first I didn't even think it was possible. Then, 
when I realized the truth, I thought it would please you. I was wrong, I had no right to make that choice 
alone." 

He didn't know what to say. Suddenly his—their—world had been turned upside down, and the first 
small seed of doubt had been planted. Her distress was real, he could feel it, and it hurt him every bit as 
much as it hurt her. She'd trusted him completely, so why was he suddenly reluctant 
to do the same? 
Didn't this cub make her even more dependent on him? He hadn't feared for his physical safety because 
of her violent past, was he that afraid of her emotionally? Then he remembered what he and Vanna had 
gone through when they'd discovered she was pregnant, and began walking toward her. 

"It's all right," he said, crouching down in front of her. Gently he tugged her hands away from her eyes. 
"Don't cry, Keeza. I know you didn't mean any harm." He kissed her palms, first the one with the cut 
where they'd mingled their blood during the ceremony, then the other. 

"Blood is life. What better way to seal our marriage than to share a cub?" His voice sounded hollow as 
he said the words, as if he was hearing them spoken for the second time, and from very far away. 

He felt a sudden weight on his shoulder, then a small, wet nose stuffed itself into his ear. Belle leaped 
from there down into Keeza's lap, stretching up to pat her face, making her smile and reach down to pet 
the jegget. As he watched them, a sound like a sigh echoed in his mind. 

Each house in the village had a garden behind it. Brynne's was no different. Later in the evening, he found 
an opportunity to go for a walk with Jurrel and tell him what he'd done. 

"Say something," said Brynne, exasperated and worried by the other's silence. 

Jurrel turned to look at him. "What do you want me to say?" 

"Anything you want." 

"I don't think you know what you're doing," he said. "Worse, I don't think you know why you did it." 

"That hurt," said Brynne. 

"It's the truth, though. Why would you need my opinion if you're so sure of yourself?" 


"You're my friend, and more. It matters." 


Jurrel sighed, stopping by the bench. "Sit down," he said. "I can feel your tension so strongly it's affecting 
me." 
Brynne sat. "I want to help her, Jurrel," he said as his friend began to knead his shoulders firmly. 
"Do you? Or were you looking for an excuse to marry her? And if so, why should you need an excuse?" 
"I didn't marry her to prove anything to myself, or anyone 
else!" he said, stung. 
"Then what's the real reason? Be honest with yourself if not with me." Jurrel was working his way across 


Brynne's shoulder blades, making him wince. "You get these knots in the same places every time," he 
muttered. "Next time you're getting wound up, spare a thought for me. I'm the poor male who's got to 
undo it all." 


Brynne sniggered briefly, then sobered up again. "You're going to laugh at me or call me an idiot," he said 
defensively. 


"Try me." 
He swung round on the bench to look at his friend. "Yes, I was looking for an excuse to marry her, 
because I fell in love with her." 


"That's a good enough reason," Jurrel said, stepping across the bench to join him. "Feel better?" 
Brynne rotated his shoulders and neck experimentally. "Lots, thanks." 
"I still think you're out of your mind, though. Two days isn't long enough to know if you're suited to build 


a life together." 
"Telepaths can't lie to each other when they mind-speak. I know all I need to know about her." 
"Then what you've done is right for you. You'll certainly be more able to protect her as her life-mate." 
"And she's pregnant," Brynne added. 
Jurrel made a choking noise, then reached out and grabbed him by the ears, shaking his head. "Have you 


got insanity in your family?" he demanded. 
"Hey! That hurts!" Brynne exclaimed, grabbing at his hands to stop him. "What did you do that for?" 
"To shake some sense into you! How in Vartra's name did you persuade her to get pregnant? And why?" 


Jurrel let his ears go but Brynne held onto his hands. 


"I didn't. She decided on her own. Just don't say anything, 
please. I've already said it all to myself. What 
worries me more is I don't want to have to choose between the two of you." 
"Then don't," said Jurrel. "I'm not going to ask you to." He narrowed his eyes, searching Brynne's face. "I 


think perhaps you do know who you are after all, Brynne Ste-vens. When you make your mind up, you 
certainly do it fast!" 
"Vanna taught me that you have to hold onto what's worth having or else you'll lose it," he said quietly. 
"A wise female," said Jurrel, gripping Brynne's hands before removing his own. "We'd better get back in 



before Keeza starts worrying." 

before Keeza starts worrying." 

"Then she will worry," said Jurrel, getting up. "She must love you a great deal to commit herself to sharing 
a cub with you so soon." 

Brynne said nothing as they walked back indoors. 

* * # 

The Seniormost had not harmed Kusac the day before, merely questioned him again about Vartra the 
God, Kez-ule, and the telepaths. It was almost a repetition of what J'koshuk had asked. He'd refused to 
answer him, refused to even confirm what he'd said to the priest. He left him alone eventually, sending in 
food and dimming the lights so Kusac could sleep. 

Several hours later, he was awakened by being hauled from his bed by a Prime guard. As he staggered, 
reaching out to support himself against the bed, a blow struck him hard across the face. He yelped as 
much at the unexpectedness 
of it as at the pain. The guard pulled him into the center of the room, 
gripping him firmly by the upper arms. Kusac didn't struggle, there was no point. Against his back; the 
guard's armor was hard and cold. He could feel his heart begin to race as he tried to prepare himself for 
trouble. 

"Are you awake now?" the priest asked in Sholan, standing 
in front of him. "Good. The Seniormost was 
most displeased 
that you refused to talk to him yesterday." J'koshuk smiled to show his many pointed 
teeth. "When he's displeased, 
I'm displeased." 

Another blow hit him, this time on the other side of his face, rocking his head so hard he hit it on the 
armor behind him. 

"You'll answer me though, because this time the pain can't be turned off. You'll have to live with every 
bruise and cut. And every time I come to question you, I'll add to them. Do we understand each other?" 

Kusac looked at him silently. Yes, he understood, but he was damned if he'd answer him! He saw 
J'koshuk lifting his arm and closed his eyes, determined not to give the Valtegan the satisfaction of seeing 
him flinch. 

It landed on the same side, making him gasp involuntarily 
as his head bounced off the guard's armor 
again. As he righted himself, he could feel his cheek swelling and his field of vision in that eye begin to 
shrink. 

"You're new to this question and answer game, aren't you?" said J'koshuk, circling round them. "I can 
tell. I'll give you a few hints before we go any further." 

Kusac's head ached and his face was throbbing, and J'koshuk had barely begun. He'd coped with pain 
before, used his Talent to block it, but he could feel nothing left of his abilities now. Kaid had taught him 
what to do in the event of capture, but then it had been academic, now it was only too real. 

The footsteps stopped in front of him. His jaw was grasped from underneath and his head forced up so 
he was looking directly at J'koshuk. Razor sharp claws pricked the sides of his cheeks. 

"One. Always look at me when I'm talking to you." He thrust Kusac's head away. "I like to know I have 
your full attention. Two. Always answer the easy questions. I can't stand sullen captives. Three. Don't 
give in too easily. I won't believe you." He moved closer, his forked tongue flicking out to stop millimeters 


from Kusac's face. Then it was gone. "I enjoy my work. It gives me pleasure to unlock my captive's 


deepest secrets and fears. Now, shall we begin again?" 
His legs were trembling, he realized, forcing them straight then bracing them at the knee joint. It was a 
game, and he needed to make concessions if he was going to have any chance of surviving it. 


"Yes." In his mind, he began to recite the litany to banish 
pain. 
"You learn quickly," said J'koshuk. "Let's start with the female in the other cryogenic unit. Carrie." 


# * # 

Day 32 

Giyesh woke with Jeran lying in the bed beside her. He was shocked to learn he'd been taken, and had 
no memory of being examined or questioned. Kaid pressed him hard, but to no avail. Then he called 
Rezac over to read the young male's mind. 

"You're treating him like a criminal," objected Giyesh, taking the opportunity to return to her lover's side. 
"Giyesh," warned Tirak from his seat nearby. "Don't interfere between Kaid and his people. You're 
making a fool of yourself over Jeran. You should never have been allowed to come on this mission. Why 


I let the elders talk me into taking you, I'll never know. You should be home looking after your first taiban 
now!" 
Giyesh stiffened, moving closer to Jeran. 
"It's all right, Giyesh, no one's forcing me to do anything," 
said Jeran quietly, stroking her knee. 
Rezac took advantage of their conversation to say in a low voice, "Why aren't you doing it, Kaid?" 
"No need for me to when you can," he replied. "You're more than capable from what I saw that day with 


Tesha." 


Rezac's eyes narrowed, his eye ridges meeting. Kaid felt the gentle touch of the other's mind briefly 
against his and cursed to himself. He'd been hoping to conceal his condition 
for a while longer. 
It's begun, hasn't it? Link deprivation. Do you know anything 
about it? sent Rezac. 
Of course I do! I watched Carrie and Kusac go through it. I know what to expect. 
Knowing it and experiencing it are very different. You're mentally and physically separated, that's 


the worst it could be. If they keep you apart, you've got another day at most before you go into a 
coma. Then you die. Tomorrow morning, 
I'm calling the Primes, unless either you're taken or 
she's returned. 

No! You'll do nothing! 
Then you'll both die. So will your cub. Is that what you want? 
He glowered at Rezac, making an effort to strengthen his mental barriers. You'd no business reading me 


! 

I didn't. Your shields are low and I couldn't help sense 


the state you're in. We can't afford to lose you, Raid. You're what's holding all of us together. Even 
Tirak looks to you as the leader. 

the state you're in. We can't afford to lose you, Raid. You're what's holding all of us together. Even 
Tirak looks to you as the leader. 

I'll need to monitor you, Rezac warned him. And tell the others if necessary. 

Kaid shut his eyes. He was deathly tired and ached all over. No. 

It would be better to tell the Primes now. You're only going to get worse and there's nothing we 
can do to ease it. 

You know I can't. To do that would be showing them our weakness. It's academic anyway. They 
don't come when we call them. He could feel the compassion in the other's thoughts. How could the 
Leskas live like this, tied so completely 
to another? He was so used to his freedom, his independence. 

But no more loneliness. You've only had one Link day, sent Rezac. You wail, it's worth it for that 
one day in five that's yours. 

He remembered saying something similar to Kusac. Now he would be finding out for himself. Do what 
you have to, he sent with a sigh. 

You'll tell T'Chebbi? That one's like a feral when it comes to defending you. 

He opened his eyes, smiling faintly! "I'll tell T'Chebbi." 
"Tell me what?" she demanded from by his elbow. 
See what I mean? sent Rezac with a slow grin. 
"Go and read Jeran," said Kaid, pushing himself out of the chair. "I'll talk to T'Chebbi now." 
"You got till midday tomorrow? That's all?" T'Chebbi asked, shocked. 
He nodded, holding his arms open for her. She went to him, clutching him tightly as his arms closed round 


her and he rested his head against hers. 


"I need you to understand how much I love you," he said, the words coming slowly, as if he was having 
difficulty saying them. "One day, you and I will share cubs, because 
I don't compare you with Carrie, don't love either of you more than the other, just differently." 
"I know," she whispered, clenching her hands in his still long pelt. "I know you don't. I love them and you 


that way, too." She could feel tears beginning to course down her cheeks and pushed away from him, 


scrubbing at her face. "Look at me, some warrior I am!" 
"The best," he said, capturing her again. "I chose you to guard Carrie, didn't I?" He licked her tears 
away, making 
her laugh, and cry again. "I'm not that bad. Rezac's watching me, he'll not let me go into a 
coma." 


"Wish it was me. I'd know how things were then, when to worry." 
"Ask Rezac, he'll tell you. You have to trust him, T'Chebbi. I am, with my life." 



"Should be me!" 
"No, you're my Second. You have to lead for me, that's more important this time," he said, stroking her 


head, smoothing back her ears as if he was soothing a cub. "And ease off on Zashou, please. It hurts 
Rezac when you go for her. She can't help being afraid." 
T'Chebbi stiffened slightly. "Where is she? Didn't see her in the lounge with everyone else." 
"This would happen now," Kaid sighed. "With any iuck she'll remember nothing when they return her." 
"What do you want to bet she's hysterical?" grumbled T'Chebbi. 
"Well, it'll be your problem, your chance to show her some patience. I won't be well enough to deal with 


it." 
She could hear the sudden strain in his voice and looked up at him. His face was creased in pain. 


Instantly she reached for his hand, feeling the heat and the sweat as he began to sag against her. Grabbing 
him, she steered him over to his bed, helping him lie down. 
"It's all right," he said, holding his belly. "It's part of it. Just a stomach cramp. It'll pass in a moment. Go 


see if you can find Zashou." 
"I'll go find Rezac first," she said, getting up. 
"Don't panic everyone about me, T'Chebbi," he whispered 
as she made her way to the door. "We don't 


need it." 


Zashou proved to be there, still asleep in the room she shared with Jo and Rezac. Kaid rested for a 
while, 
T'Chebbi keeping him company. Then, anxious not to worry any of the others because of his absence, 


when he felt a little better, he returned to the lounge. Rezac joined him, carrying an herbal drink. 
"Try this, might help ease your stomach a little," he said quietly. 
Kaid accepted it, finding it surprisingly pleasant. "What was going on between Giyesh and Tirak earlier?" 


he asked. Keeping his mind busy was better than the alternative. 
"Tirak and his crew, they're all related, something like a mixture of the Guilds and Clans you say Shola 
has now. Females take a different husband every five years and are not supposed to see military service 


until after their first cub. Only Giyesh didn't fancy that and had her parents pull strings to allow her to 
come on this mission instead." 
"How'd you find this out?" 
"Been talking to Jeran. He's as taken with Giyesh as she is with him," Rezac said, looking over at the 


table where the couple were sitting. "Apparently she's running upwind of custom, and Tirak, over Jeran. 
She's not supposed to have lovers before her first mating is over. I think the Captain 
hoped she'd 
choose Nayash or Mrowbay, not one of us. Jeran says she'll be in trouble for it when she gets home." 


"So they're a military family?" 
"Yeah. All Rryuks, like the name of their ship. Only reason Tirak's let them be is because of us." He 
turned to look at Kaid. "Because we have lovers who are aliens." 



"Less alien than a hell of a lot of Sholans I know," muttered 
Kaid. 


Rezac grinned, ears flicking in amusement. "How right you are. You better figure out what you're going to 
tell Jeran when he comes and asks if he can stay with the Profit, not come home with us." 
"I'm ahead of you on that," he said, face creasing slightly in pain. "What did you find out from Jeran?" 
"Nothing. He was out cold the whole time. This can wait, Kaid." 
Rezac was right. In his current state, he might inadvertently 
say more than he meant to about the Primes 


and their motives. "Carrie's going through this, isn't she?" 


Rezac just nodded. "It's nearly third meal. Try to eat something light, like eggs. Then go rest. T'Chebbi 
can watch you for now. I'll take over later." 
"I don't think I can eat." 
"Try something. Just eat what you can." 
Kaid nodded and took another sip of his drink. He'd noticed lately that Rezac had been keeping an eye 


on everyone, acting like a Pack Second, keeping his hand on the pulse of the group. Especially himself. 
"I'll try," he said tiredly. 
Rezac and Jo likewise retired early. Lying beside her, Rezac gently rubbed his hand across Jo's belly. 


"Tell me how Kaid is," she asked. 
Rezac rolled back into his own bed and stared up at the ceiling. "Not good," he admitted. "I'm not 
completely sure what's going on with him. This is what usually happens if you try to deny a Leska Link, 
not after the first pairing. But then, this is hardly a normal Link anyway. He said they once experienced a 
full three-way bond but apart from then, it's never been that active for him. They're all aware of each 
other during Link days, but he doesn't feel the compulsion strongly unless it's time for him to be with 
Carrie." 

"What about when she was pregnant?" 
"Weren't Linked then. The three-way thing happened when he and Kusac swore a sword-brother oath, 


he said. Probably his Link to her has activated to a full Leska one to save her because of Kusac being 
dead." 
"Or missing," corrected Jo. 
"More likely dead, -I'm afraid. Anyway, I've created a minor link of my own to him, and I'm watching 


him carefully. 
That's why I want to sleep now, so I'm alert during the worst of it." 
"How quickly could he go into a coma? Will you have enough warning?" 
"Yes, if I'm physically with him. T'Chebbi's watching him now. He's at the vomiting stage." 
Jo grimaced. "Sounds awful. Would that have happened to us if we hadn't…" 
"But it didn't," he said, cutting her short. "You came to me and now we have a cub on the way." He 


reached out to caress her belly again. "I can feel it," he said suddenly. 
"You can't possibly," Jo replied, feeling for herself. "I'm only nine weeks." 



"Are you sure?" he asked, disappointed. 

"Are you sure?" he asked, disappointed. 

He raised his head to look at her in surprise. "A cat with two tails? What an odd saying." He thought for 
a moment then grinned. "Still, say it again in a couple of day's time when this is over and I'm sure I can 
come up with something 
better than a second tail." 

Jo grabbed her pillow and began to hit him with it. 

* # * 

Day 32 

A second wasted day, thought J'koshuk, hissing angrily at the captive hanging limply in the guard's grasp. 
Oh, not wasted as far as the Seniormost was concerned, but certainly 
as far as he was. The Seniormost, 
after making him spend yesterday in his rooms with nothing to do, had given him an extra two days to 
question Kusac, and finally lifted the worst of the restrictions on what he could do to him. He'd gotten all 
the answers the Primes wanted now, and it still didn't make much sense, but making sense of it was the 
Seniormost's job, not his. 

It was the Human that he wanted, to hear about, and the damned Sholan still refused to tell him anything! 
He'd tormented him to the point where he'd say almost anything just to be left alone, which meant Kusac 
could tell the truth now and know it would be suspect. Lately, though, J'koshuk 
had noticed he'd 
developed a knack of telling when his captives were lying, so continuing wasn't a problem. Which was 
just as well, because he only had a few hours left in which to get the answers he wanted. 

His own equipment from the M'ijikk had gotten him better 
results than the sophisticated pain collar of 
the Primes. Deep bruising that caused no surface wounds that the Primes could see was a great 
persuader. And the pain lasted. 

Reaching behind him, he picked up the animal prod again and put it under Kusac's chin, sending just 
enough of a current through it to make him jerk his head up. "One more time. You say you met the 
Humans on Keiss." 

Kusac mumbled something indecipherable. 

"I can't hear you." 

"Yes." Still mumbled but at least he could hear it this time. 

"You met this Human female on Keiss." 

"No." 

"Think again." Turning the power up to full, he touched the prod to Kusac's neck. 

He jerked away from it, trying not to cry out. "Not Keiss!" 

"Then where?" 

"The second ship," he mumbled, head dropping again. 

"You're lying. She was on Keiss before your people came, wasn't she?" 


"No. On ship." He shook his head slowly for emphasis. "Why important?" 
"You dare question me?" he demanded, about to hit him again. Then he stopped. It was always the same 
answers. A different approach was needed. Perhaps letting him know how much information about her 


he already had might break down his resistance. "She was on Keiss, wasn't she? More, she was in our 
city at Geshader." 
"No." 
Aiming above the guard's grip, he hit Kusac's arm hard with the prod and held it there for several 


seconds. 


Unable to pull away from either the blow or the current as it surged through him, Kusac's body went rigid 
and he began to whimper—a low, involuntary sound. 
That had gotten a better response. The combination of the blow and the charge might just work. 


J'koshuk removed the prod and Kusac sagged against the guard. 
"She was at Geshader, wasn't she? Working as a spy." 
"No!" 
"She's in a room down the corridor. If you won't tell me, maybe I'll go ask her myself. Would you prefer 


that?" 


Kusac straightened up and raised his head slowly, eyes narrowing as he looked at J'koshuk. "They won't 
let you near her or you wouldn't need to ask me." 
Angrily, J'koshuk hit him again, aiming the prod high up on the inside of Kusac's thigh near his groin and 


holding it there. 
Howling in agony, Kusac fought to escape the prod, trying 
to wrench himself free from the guard. 


J'koshuk dodged, keeping up the pressure against his leg until suddenly, 
Kusac collapsed, gasping, "Not 
Carrie! Elise! Was Elise, her twin!" 
Shocked, J'koshuk removed the prod and stepped back. "Twin? What's twin?" he demanded. 
Each word was gasped out painfully as the guard hauled Kusac's limp body upright again. "Like her. 


Sister. Born at same time." 
Two? Humans had multiple young? He had to be lying! Reaching out, he grasped him by the jaw, lifting 


his head up. Tears streaked the blood-matted, swollen face. But it was Kusac's eyes that told him that 
he'd at last gotten some of what he wanted. There was no fire left in them. 
"The one I questioned was called Elise," J'koshuk said. "How like her sister is she?" 
"Exact." 
He remembered how the female had laughed in his face as he'd tortured her. No one had ever laughed 


before. More, she'd told him nothing. Never had that happened either. There wasn't a person living who 
couldn't be broken somehow—except her. Had it been the other—twin—that had been the spy? Had he 
gotten the wrong one? He dropped Kusac's head, losing interest in him. 

"Leave him. I want to see the Human female." He began striding toward the door. 


"No! Leave her alone! She wasn't the spy!" Kusac cried out as the guard pushed him aside and followed 
J'koshuk. 

"No! Leave her alone! She wasn't the spy!" Kusac cried out as the guard pushed him aside and followed 
J'koshuk. 

* * * 

"We're here, Commander," said Nara, putting her head round the door of the cramped common area on 

Striker Two. 
L'Seuli grunted and uncurled himself from the narrow bed on which he'd been sleeping. Standing up, he 
tried to stretch his cramped limbs and tail. 


"You should get some rest while you're here, Commander," 
she said sympathetically. "This is the fourth 


outpost 
you've been to in the last two weeks." 
"It's also the last one, Nara," he yawned, running his hands across his short, sand-colored hair and 
scratching behind 
his ears vigorously. "I head home tomorrow." 


"Captain Kheal is waiting on the flight deck. Said to tell you there's hot food waiting for you in his 


quarters." 
L'Seuli's ears pricked up. "There is? Now that does sound good. What about you and Chima?" He 
tugged at the hem of his tunic before readjusting his jacket. His grays were still stiff and new, but he'd 
needed them to reflect his current rank during this mission. 


"Crew rations," she said, making a face. "Still a hell of a lot better than the muck on board Striker." 
He frowned, then changed his mind. "Anything is, Sister Nara. Let's get going, then." 
Kheal was waiting for him just inside the exit. He stood to attention, saluting him. "Commander L'Seuli. 


Welcome to Haven." 


L'Seuli returned the older male's salute. "At ease, Captain. 
My pilot tells me there's food waiting for us. 
After Striker's rations, it's a welcome thought." 
"I hope to make your visit here as pleasant as possible, Commander. This way, if you please," said 


Kheal, indicating 
the waiting elevator. 
"How's work progressing?" 
"Fair. The station had a skeleton crew, which we've assimilated. 
All the essentials were up and running, 


it's just been a question of expanding to accommodate a crew of sixty and five assault craft." 
"You have everything you need?" 
The elevator halted, door opening to let them out onto the second level. Again, Kheal let L'Seuli precede 


him. 


"Yes, Commander. Is this your first visit to our outpost?" He stopped outside his office, opening the door 
for them. 
"It is, but I have been fully briefed, Captain," he said, well aware the captain thought him too young for 



his rank. "The original asteroid was found here two hundred and fifty years ago during part of the 
Brotherhood's regular policing activities in this region after the Chemerian/Sholan wars. Charts 
discovered here led us to the other three outposts, 
and the conclusion that they formed part of an early 
warning system of unknown alien origin. Like the other three, it was abandoned and showed signs of a 
fierce conflict. 
In light of current discoveries, it's now thought to have belonged to the ancient Valtegans. 
Over the years, other asteroids have been excavated at each location, including this, our main one, and 
outfitted with parts salvaged from obsolete craft bought from the Forces. They now serve as our forward 
observation posts to protect Alliance space and thus Shola. How am I doing?" he asked, raising an eye 
ridge. 

his rank. "The original asteroid was found here two hundred and fifty years ago during part of the 
Brotherhood's regular policing activities in this region after the Chemerian/Sholan wars. Charts 
discovered here led us to the other three outposts, 
and the conclusion that they formed part of an early 
warning system of unknown alien origin. Like the other three, it was abandoned and showed signs of a 
fierce conflict. 
In light of current discoveries, it's now thought to have belonged to the ancient Valtegans. 
Over the years, other asteroids have been excavated at each location, including this, our main one, and 
outfitted with parts salvaged from obsolete craft bought from the Forces. They now serve as our forward 
observation posts to protect Alliance space and thus Shola. How am I doing?" he asked, raising an eye 
ridge. 

L'Seuli touched the flash of purple at the edge of his jacket. "Perhaps in fairness I should tell you that the 
purple on my uniform does reflect a telepathic ability, which was why I was picked for that mission. May 
I suggest, Brother Kheal, that we forget our current ranks and collaborate as equals on this matter? You 
obviously have more experience of this outpost than I have. The point of my mission is to see that Guild 
Master Rhyaz is as fully briefed as possible on your current state of readiness. I'd appreciate your 
assistance 
to do that." 

Kheal's mouth opened in a half smile. "Certainly, Brother L'Seuli. We can inspect the facility as soon as 
we've eaten. Would you like to take a seat?" He gestured to his desk where plates and covered dishes of 
food sat. 

Within a few minutes, L'Seuli was helping himself from one of the several large casserole dishes on the 
table. 

"I don't suppose you've got any further orders for me, have you?" asked Kheal, helping himself to 
vegetables. "Something that would explain why we're suddenly increasing 
our presence in space?" 

"Why do you think we're here?" 

"Possibly because of some threat to Shola, possibly because 
of the new treaties." 

"A reasonable hypothesis. I expect the troops are rife with speculation." 

"And bets. It would be useful to have something concrete 
to tell them." 

"I'm afraid I've no additional orders for you beyond remaining 
vigilant." 

"I've been given two telepaths," said Kheal after munching 
in silence for a few minutes. "Brother Vriuzu 
from Stronghold, and Sister Jiosha from our guildhouse on Nalgalan." 

"So Jiosha's been reassigned from Jalna," said L'Seuli, helping himself to more stew. "I wondered if she'd 
be posted here. We started training at Stronghold together." 

"Why have we two when the other outposts have only one?" asked Kheal, doggedly pursuing his point 
"And why any at all? Normally they stay at the guildhouses to avoid recognition." 

L'Seuli finished his mouthful. "How are you deploying them?" 

"You're ignoring my question, Brother. Why?" 

"Did you know Vartra's been seen in the temple at Stronghold? He's been visiting our Brothers and 


Sisters with visions again. You did receive the directive on reporting 
all such occurrences direct to 
Stronghold, didn't you?" 

Sisters with visions again. You did receive the directive on reporting 
all such occurrences direct to 
Stronghold, didn't you?" 

"Don't censor them. Send them all immediately, no matter 
how strange." 

Kheal sat back in his chair. "Some idea of what we're watching or waiting for would be helpful." 

L'Seuli rested his elbows on the desk, watching him. "All I can tell you at this moment, Captain, is that 
four of our people are missing, and have been for twenty-seven days. Three of them are an En-Shalla 
Leska Triad. We've found some debris but not a trace of their craft so far—no drive emissions even. 
They're out there somewhere, and it's possible 
a message from them might come at any time. This 
outpost is nearest to their last known position." 

"Whatever's responsible for them being missing could be heading for Shola." 

L'Seuli sat unmoving for a moment longer. "I did not say that, Captain Kheal," he said softly, then 
resumed his meal. 

Almost word for word, he'd had the same conversation at each of the other three outposts, and each of 
their com-manding officers had drawn the same conclusion. Inspecting the facility was almost a formality 
now he'd completed his main task. 

* * * 

The Clan Council meeting had been delayed by a week and they were sitting for the first time since Konis 
had withdrawn his resignation. As he looked round the chamber, 
he was pleased to note the wary looks 
on the faces of four of the newly appointed Clan Leaders. It wouldn't do any harm at all for them to 
remain cautious of him for the next few months. He would not let Azkuu's little power struggle be 
forgotten. 

He tapped the table in front of him loudly with his stylus, waiting for the chattering to cease. 

"Before we begin, there's some long overdue business I have to attend to," he said, picking up an official 
letter from the folder in front of him and getting to his feet. He walked round the table till he came to 
Naeul Arrazo, holding 
the document out to him. 

"What's this?" demanded Naeul, taking it from him. "What're you planning now, Konis? Isn't it enough 
you've replaced four of the Council?" 

Konis ignored his outburst. "My predecessor should have seen to this years ago, Naeul. He didn't, but 
the matter was brought to my attention and I'm dealing with it now." 

Naeul had opened the letter and was reading it. 

Konis looked at Falma, nodded once, then turned back to Naeul as his deputy opened the door and 
slipped out. 

"That is your indictment for the crime of assault against your daughter Khemu Arrazo; for illegally 
imprisoning her on your estate; for falsely reporting her death to various officials, including the ruling Clan 
Lord; for failing to register 
the birth of your grandson, Dzaka Arrazo, and finally, when the cub was 
born, taking him from his mother and having him fostered, against her will, in your estate nursery. The 
Protectors are waiting for you, Naeul Arrazo." As he turned away to walk slowly back to his seat at the 


head of the table, the door opened and a senior Protector entered. 

head of the table, the door opened and a senior Protector entered. 

"You can argue your case with the judiciary, Liege," interrupted 
the officer, taking him firmly by the arm. 

Rhyasha smiled a small smile to herself as she watched Naeul being led, protesting, from the room. The 
rest of the Council sat in stunned silence till the door shut behind them. It was satisfying to see them so 
rattled after what they'd allowed Azkuu and her little group to do, not only to Konis, but to Kitra. And 
finally, justice had been gained for Dzaka and his mother, Khemu. She hoped the poor female's soul 
would now be at peace. 

"I remember that business with Khemu," said Lossa, the first to speak. "She was supposed to life-bond 
with my eldest. 
What happened, Konis?" 

"Khemu Arrazo became pregnant and Naeul, fearing the scandal, told this Council that she'd died in a 
climbing accident," 
said Konis. "He refused to let her see the father and locked her up in her room till 
her cub was born." He stopped, looking over the Council members. "Naeul didn't stop at that, though. 
He took the infant from her and placed him in the estate nursery, then moved his daughter out of the main 
house into one opposite the nursery, imprisoning 
her there. As he grew older, Khemu could see and 
hear her son every day, but was never allowed to speak to him. Naeul made sure she never forgot the 
shame she'd brought to his family." 

"Naeul did that?" exclaimed Khayle. "I'd never have thought it of him!" 

"You were always a bit soft on Naeul, even as a youngling," 
said Mnae with a cackle. "Never looked 
twice at you, though." 

"Just as well," snapped back Lossa. "How did you find out about this, Konis? What became of the cub? 
And why did she choose to become pregnant in the first place?" 

"More important, who's the father?" asked Chaidda, his male voice deep among those of the females. 

"The father didn't know about the cub till four years later," said Konis. "As luck would have it, Khemu 
managed not only to escape, but to take him with her. She left him outside the gates at Stronghold for his 
father to find." 

Khas'ih Rakula began to laugh softly. "I know whose son he is. His father's the third in your son's Triad, 
isn't he, Konis? Dzaka is Kaid's son." She looked over to Gar-ras. "One of your En'Shalla Clan. Father 
and son both, I'll be bound. So the Brotherhood has had a telepath in its midst all these years." 

Garras said nothing for now, letting Konis continue uninterrupted. 

"You're right, Khas'ih," said Konis. "Kaid found the cub and was able to foster him. He suspected who 
he was, but had no proof. Using his friends among the Brothers, he kept his ears alert for any word of 
Khemu Arrazo. When he found out where she lived, he went to her. That's when he found out the truth 
of what had happened. She's dead now, of a wasting sickness, but they bonded before she died. Dzaka 
has been entered in the records as her and Kaid's legitimate son. He promised her he'd ensure Dzaka got 
his legitimacy, as Khemu had already given him her tore and knife. Today, the truth has come home to 
nest in Naeul Arrazo's hall. May Vartra grant Khemu's soul peace at last." 

Murmurs of agreement went round the room. 

"Wasn't Khemu his firstborn and heir?" asked Khayle. "If memory serves me, she was. That makes 


Dzaka his heir now." 


"No," said Rhyasha. "Dzaka is an En'Shallan, a gene-altered Brother with a psi gift. He's an Aldatan 
now." 
"That's the one your Kitra wanted, wasn't it?" asked Mnae, clicking her tongue disapprovingly. "Would 


never have done, Rhyasha. No cubs, y'see." 


"You didn't say why she chose to have his cub," said Lossa. "We thought Khemu was pleased with our 
contract. I find it all very confusing." 
"If I may answer that, Clan Lord?" Garras asked, catching 
Koüis' eye. 
"Please," said Konis, relieved to be spared that answer. "You were Kaid's sword-brother in those days, 


you knew him better than anyone." 
"As you said, Khas'ih Rakula, Kaid is a telepath, but he'd suppressed it until he was with Khemu. He'd 


never known another telepath before, and when their minds touched…" He spread his hands 
expressively, leaving the rest unsaid. 
Chaidda gave a rumble of annoyance. "Too damned convenient," 
he said. 
"Wasn't he one of the fosterlings with Nuddoh M'Zushi?" asked Mnae, tapping her stylus against her 


comp. "Big scandal about Nuddoh some thirty-odd years ago. Got himself 
killed, didn't he?" 


Konis began to feel uncomfortable as he saw all eyes turn on him again. From the surprised look on 
Garras' face, he realized he couldn't pass this one over to him. 
"Quite right," said Rhyasha smoothly. "He was found murdered, and thank Vartra he was! He'd been 


abusing the younglings in his care for years and no one knew a thing about it till then. Wouldn't you 


suppress your Talent if forced to live in circumstances like that?" 
Mnae nodded. "Remember it well," she said. "Rhuna Dzaedoh got called in to help out. 'Course, didn't 
call himself 
Kaid back then, it was Tallinu. He was all set to become 
her apprentice then he up and left, 
just like that, the night Nuddoh was murdered. Was another three years before 
the Brothers found him 
and brought him back." 


Konis could feel them scenting more of the scandal but was powerless to stop them now they were on 
the trail. Any attempt to do so would only make it worse. 

"He killed Nuddoh?" asked Dzaio. 
"It was never proved," said Rhyasha. "Charges against him were dropped. All that was a very long time 
ago, and it's his son, Dzaka, we're discussing." 


Did he do it? Konis sent to his wife. 
Of course he did! Wouldn't you if you found an adult male about to rape one of your fellow 


fosterlings? And he didn't just run off, he told Noni what he'd done before he left. He was in a bad 
way, too, according to the records. 
How old was he? 
Not much older than Kitra is now. 



Had he been… 

Had he been… 

"What're you trying to tell us, Rhyasha? That Dzaka has as good a background as any of us here?" asked 
Khayle dryly. 

"As far as I'm concerned, he has," she snapped back. "But no, I'm not. I'm reminding us all that this isn't 
the time or place for gossip!" 

"Point taken," said Konis, seizing the opportunity. "A letter will be sent to the Arrazo Clan to invite 
Naeul's successor to take over his place on the Council. My main business today concerns the arranged 
marriages that our heirs have to make as part of our breeding program." While he was talking, he 
activated his comm unit, waiting for the screen and keypad to raise itself from the concealed recess in the 
table in front of him. 

"If you'll look at your own comms, you'll be able to see the data I've had assembled for you. Both graphs 
cover a fifty-year span." 

When everyone was ready, he continued. "As you can see from the graph, despite our best efforts, the 
birthrate of Talented cubs among the main Clan families is dropping." 
He looked up at them. "And 
before anyone asks, yes, it takes into account those lost to the En'Shalla Clan. So, our breeding program 
is no longer working. Now if you look at this chart," he flipped to the next page, "you can see that the 
intake at the Telepath Guildhouses on each continent have gone up over the last fifty years. Which leads 
me inevitably to the conclusion that we, in this room, are breeding ourselves to the point of extinction." 
He looked up again, taking advantage of the silence. "Either we abandon the breeding program 
completely, or we must introduce new blood into it." 

"New blood?" exclaimed Lossa. "New blood? Do your charts tell us how many of those telepaths 
outside the main families are Grade Ones?" 

"Almost as many as we've had recently," replied Konis. "Our bloodlines have become too inbred. We 
must open the program up if we want to survive." 

"You're scare-mongering, Konis," said Chaidda. "Trying to push through alien ideas under the guise of a 
crisis." 

"You think so?" Konis's voice had an underlying pun-to it. "Out of forty-six cubs born to our generation 
here in Kaeshala, our main continent, do you know how many were either Grade One or Two Talents, 
Chaidda? Eight, that's all. And six had no trainable Talent. Tell me now there isn't a crisis! And 
remember, we've lost both Szurtha and Khyaal. No telepaths from there to swell our numbers any more." 

Chaidda looked uncomfortable. "I thought there were more than that," he Said. 

"I'll not have my younglings marrying outside our fami-lies," said Khayle firmly. "I don't hold with your 
new ideas, Konis. You're too ready to throw tradition to the winds these days." 

"Depends what he's suggesting," said Mnae thoughtfully. "Cough it up, Konis. What you got for us?" 

"I'd have thought better of you, Mnae," said Dzio, his eye ridges meeting in a frown. "You've always 
spoken up for the old ways." 

"Seems to me the old ways aren't working right now," she said. "Been noticing that for myself lately." She 
reached for the jug of water in front of her and poured herself a glass. "Take this history thing, now, and 


all the Humans digging up Valtegan bones. Seems to me if we'd been able to talk more between the 
guilds, they might never have been needed. We'd have known our history all along. Guild secrets made 
us stronger in the past, but we have to become a community now, unless we want some of them new 
aliens that're joining the Alliance to take over our position at the head of the table. So tell us what you're 
suggesting, Konis." She raised the glass to her lips and took a sip. 

all the Humans digging up Valtegan bones. Seems to me if we'd been able to talk more between the 
guilds, they might never have been needed. We'd have known our history all along. Guild secrets made 
us stronger in the past, but we have to become a community now, unless we want some of them new 
aliens that're joining the Alliance to take over our position at the head of the table. So tell us what you're 
suggesting, Konis." She raised the glass to her lips and took a sip. 

Opening the locker beside him, he pulled out three containers 
of c'shar. Handing two to the others, he 
pulled the tab on his can, waiting for it to heat up before taking a sip. 

"Gods, this tastes as foul as ever," he groaned as Mnesu took off. 

"Still, it's over—till next time," sighed Rhyasha, leaning back against the seat, her can still unopened. "You 
got the changes pushed through, and backdated for those families that want their younglings to have a 
choice this time." 

"I don't know how you cope," said Garras. "It would drive me mad doing this every two months!" 

Konis looked over at him. "You'll get used to it," he said tiredly. "I'll be interested to see how Lijou 
intends to make eligible Brothers and Sisters available to our fragile Clan kitlings." 

CHAPTER 13 

It had taken Carrie a while to realize what was happening to her, but when the fever and the stomach 
cramps started, she knew. Would Kaid understand what it was? There were several people who could 
tell him. He'd find a way to get them together again, surely. If she called for the Primes and told them, 
they'd know their Achilles' heel. She had to let Kaid deal with it. 

Sitting up, the covers wrapped around her, she tried to stay awake. With Kusac, she'd almost slept 
herself into the coma. Not this time, this time she was going to fight it. Nausea hit, making her run for the 
washbasin. She'd eaten nothing for nearly four days, so all it did was leave her throat and stomach feeling 
raw and painful. 

Trembling, she returned to her bed just as the door opened. It was the Valtegan priest, and he was alone. 
She recognized him from Kaid's memories. The door closed behind 
him, sealing the guard outside. 

"Come here," he ordered, his voice sharp and sibilant. "I wish to examine you." 

"You're not supposed to be here," she said, releasing her hold on the covers so her hands were free. 
"Only the Primes are allowed in." 

"Don't tell me what I can do. You're the captive, not me'. Come here!" 

"I'll call the guard." Under cover of the blankets, she began to slide her legs over the far side of the bed. 

He came toward her, tongue flicking out, tasting the air, and her fear. 

When she saw his skin began to darken, she jumped to the floor, putting the bed between them. She 
knew the signs from the days when her sister worked in Geshader as a prostitute for the resistance. Too 
many times she'd seen what had gone on through Elise's eyes and experienced the pain and injuries they'd 
caused her while at the height of mating. 


"You shouldn't be here," she repeated. 


"Call out if you want," he said. "There's no one to hear you. The guard outside is mine. He does what I 
say." 
With the speed of a striking snake, he lunged for her but she'd already moved. Hissing in anger, he came 


after her, catching her by the hair as she tried to dodge past him. 
Screaming and clawing, she was jerked toward him. Her wrists grasped firmly in one of his hands, he 


took hold of her jaw in the other, pulling her face close. He started back in surprise as he saw her eyes. 
Vertical pupils—a hunter's eyes—glared back at him. 
"Your eyes! Your sister didn't have eyes like those!" 
She remembered him now! "I'm a mind-stealer, a tele-path like the Sholans, J'koshuk," she said, voice 


roughened by fear and hate. "Touch me and you'll regret it. My sister laughed in your face, right until the 


moment she died. I'll do the same." Reaching out for his mind, she began to fill it with fear of her. 
She didn't see the raised hand until too late. The blow stunned her, breaking her concentration. Dazed 
now, and weak from lack of food and the effects of Link deprivation, she could do nothing as he flung 
her down onto the bed. 


"Your sister might have laughed at me, but you won't," he hissed, grasping hold of her sleeping robe. 


Terror filled her, but on the edges of her mind, she felt the gestalt hovering. She reached for it, feeding it 
with all the energy she had left, and screamed for help. 
Lying in his bed, terror exploded in Kaid's mind. He saw the hand descending, felt the blow to his face, 


and was suddenly caught up in the memory of the rape dream, watching as the male advanced on him 


again. He didn't need the warming of the crystal to tell him that this time, it was no dream. 
His gasp of pain alerted T'Chebbi, who could only sit and watch in stunned horror as his cheek began to 
swell and a gash appeared on his forearm. 


"Rezac!" she shouted, but the door burst open before she'd finished crying out. 
Kaid gasped again, like a drowning man coming up for air, then clutched at Rezac as he bent over him. 


"Help me up!" The contact with Carrie had been brief, but it had been enough to give him back some of 
the strength he'd lost. He hauled on Rezac's arm, pulling himself into a sitting 
position. 
Rezac caught Kaid's thought and nodded, helping him to his feet. "I know," he said. "I felt it, too." 
"What the hell are you doing?" demanded T'Chebbi. "You're not going anywhere in that state! I sent for 


you to help, Rezac, not make him worse!" 
Kaid reached out and touched her face. "He is. I need to call the Primes." 
"You're not strong enough," said Rezac. "You'll collapse. 
Take some energy from me." He held out his 


hand. 
Kaid looked at him, hesitating. 
"You're wasting time," he said, grabbing Kaid's hand himself. 
The rush of energy made him briefly light-headed. He staggered, to be caught by Rezac, then it was over. 



Turning, he ran for the door, colliding with Manesh. 
"There's an alarm going off outside," she said. 
On the floor of his cell, Kusac felt the pull of the gestalt as briefly, his mind was swept up with those of 


the other two. As abruptly as it came, it was gone, but it left something 
behind. A glimmer of his Talent 
had returned. Not much, but it was more than he'd had before. With it came a cold fury that he knew 
could only be satisfied by killing J'koshuk. In the distance, he heard the alarm begin to sound. 

Kaid hammered at the outer door, yelling for the Primes, attempting to force his mind through the barrier 
to try and contact Carrie again. T'Chebbi had come hurtling after him, medikit at the ready to dress his 
wound, but it was ten minutes before he'd accept that rio one was coming and gave up. Slumping against 
the wall, he finally let T'Chebbi tend his wound. 

"Just dress it," he said hoarsely. 
She did as he asked. "What caused this?" she asked, winding a bandage over the dressing. 
"Later," said Rezac, touching her on the arm. 
She turned her head to look up at him as behind them, the door opened. A Prime guard stood at the 


entrance, rifle held ready. 
"The Seniormost wishes to see you," he said, pointing it at Kaid. "You will come with us." 
Kaid got to his feet and stepped out into the corridor. Flanked by two guards, he was led down to the 


stasis room. A Seniormost and several more guards were waiting for him. 
"I know my mate's been hurt. Take me to her now," he demanded. 
"There has been an unfortunate incident." 
"Just take me to her," he snarled, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. 
"It was not due to us," the translator interrupted. "It was our Interface, the one called J'koshuk. He 


abused our trust and attacked the female. He has been punished." 
A footfall from behind made him swing around but not before a hypo had been fired against his neck. It 


stung, and he resisted the impulse to rub it, reaching out for the Seniormost instead. He heard the sound 
of weapons being powered up and stopped dead, looking around the ring of guns trained on him. 
"What the hell's going on?" he demanded, rounding on the Prime again. "Where is she? I want to see 


her!" 
"It is for that you were brought," said the translator. The Seniormost indicated one of two doors in the 


opposite wall. "She is in there. You may take her with you. She was not thriving even before this incident. 
We intended her no harm." 
"What?" He wasn't sure he'd heard right. He felt lightheaded 
for a moment as their Link reestablished 


itself, then he knew what had happened. He'd been drugged, his Talent 
suppressed! 
"Take her with you and return to your room." 
Hesitantly, he began to walk toward the indicated door, then he ran. A low whimper of fear greeted him 


as he stepped inside. She was crouched in the far corner of the room, clutching a blanket. 



She looked up, eyes filling with tears. "Tallinu?" 
He was at her side instantly, lifting her up and wrapping what he could of the blanket around her. 
"I have you now. You're coming with me." He turned and walked back to the stasis room, stopping in 


front of the Seniormost. "If I see J'koshuk again, he's dead. You understand?" 


"You will not see him again," said a voice from behind him. "No harm was ever intended to you or any of 
your crew." 
He turned, squinting to see the figure against the glare of the light. He thought he caught a flash of gold. 
"Take your mate, Kaid. You and she will not be separated 
again, you have my word." 
"Why are we here? Why haven't you released us?" he demanded. 
An armored glove grasped his shoulder. "You will return now," said the translator as he was tugged 


around. 


"Let us go! We've done nothing to warrant this treatment!" 
he shouted over his shoulder as they were 
led firmly from the room. "We were never your enemies!" 
As he was let back into their suite, shocked exclamations greeted him. "T'Chebbi, get me the medikit," he 


said, pushing 
past everyone as he headed for their bedroom. 


Once inside, he knelt down, placing Carrie carefully in his bed. She clung to her blanket when he tried to 
take it away. 
"No! Leave me! I'm fine," she said fiercely. "I want to shower, that's all." 
"Carrie, I need to see what he did to you," he said quietly. 
"I want to be sure your wounds are clean. 


Vartra knows what kind of infection you could catch." He knew she at least had an arm wound because 
he'd suffered it, too. 
"No! I'm fine!" 
The door opened and T'Chebbi came in, followed by Rezac. 


Kaid frowned at him. "You're not needed, Rezac," he said, taking the kit from T'Chebbi. 
"I can help her," Rezac said, coming over and squatting down a little distance from them. "Let me help, 
Kaid. I have more experience of this than you." 


"What can you possibly…" Kaid began. 
"Listen to him," insisted T'Chebbi. "Go talk overthere." She nodded toward the doorway. 
Kaid's face froze, ears going into the sideward position of anger. 
T'Chebbi leaned forward. "Talk," she insisted. "What's important here?" 
Reluctantly, he got to his feet and accompanied Rezac to the door, keeping his eyes on Carrie all the 


while. "Well? Keep it short." 
"I've helped Valtegan rape victims before, Kaid. I know what to do." 



"What can you do that I can't?" he demanded. 

"What can you do that I can't?" he demanded. 

He stared at the younger male, saying nothing. 

Rezac sighed. "Look, I know we've got a personality problem between us, but dammit, for once trust 
me! Let me get Jo." 

"Leave him alone, Rezac, for the Gods' sake! He's got enough on his mind without you hovering round 
him," said Zashou from the hallway. 

T'Chebbi exploded from the room, leaping up at Zashou and grabbing her by the neck of her tunic, 
pushing her back into the hallway. "Why you behave like this? Do you have to always be so jealous of 
Rezac? Some love yours is! Only thing between them is…" 

"T'Chebbi, no!" Kaid called out angrily. "This isn't the time!" 

She glowered at him over her shoulder. "Yes! No more No, T'Chebbi! You cause more trouble by 
saying nothing!" She turned back to Zashou, giving her a shake. "You want to know what's between 
them? I tell you, foolish kitling! Rezac is Kaid's father, that's what you sense!" She pushed Zashou back 
till she collided with the wall. "He's his father, and somehow Rezac senses it, that's why the bond. Now 
leave them and us alone!" Turning her back on her, she pushed past Kaid and Rezac, returning to 
Carrie's side. 

"You're from the past, too?" Rezac asked, a dazed look on his face as pieces of the puzzle suddenly 
began to fall into place. 

"I haven't got the time for this right now," said Kaid, turning away from him, but Rezac grabbed his arm. 

"I need to know." 

"Yes," he said, unwilling to look at him. 

"That's why the questions about my past—about the female 
in Ranz." 

"My mother died when I was two. A fever they said. I was sent to relatives and ended up with Vartra's 
people at the monastery." 

"Vartra's fever," said Rezac in a numbed voice, his ears folding back in shock. "That's what killed her. 
She had psi abilities. We used the serum too soon, didn't know it wasn't stable enough. It killed a great 
many people." 

"It was unstable because Vartra was using psi abilities he didn't know he had to bind the genes the way 
he wanted. Carrie noticed it. Her blood sample with our altered 
genes made it possible for him to 
correct the worst mistakes." Even though he hadn't known it, Vartra had shaped his life almost from the 
start. 

"When you went back as an adult, you met your child-self." 

Kaid nodded, still unwilling to catch his father's eyes. "I sent him—me—forward because I'd been 
brought up as a foundling in this time." 

Rezac's ears righted themselves and he seemed to pull his scattered wits together. "Dzaedoh. That's my 


name, and yours, and explains the similarities between us. Hell, I'm just getting used to the idea of being 


afather. I don't need a son older than myself!" 
Kaid looked up then. Noni's kin? He was Noni's kin? "You're a grandfather. I have a son. Dzaka. He's 
older than you are, too." 


"Shit!" Rezac shook his head, grinning wryly. "I can see why you didn't want to tell me." 


"T'Chebbi can see to me, Kaid," said Carrie from the other side of the room. "You and Rezac need to 
talk." 
Kaid raised a questioning eye ridge at Rezac, who shook his head. "I'm through." He returned to her 


side, taking her face in both his hands, trying not to hurt her bruised cheek. "You'll follow my orders, 
Carrie. If you don't want me to help, you'll have Rezac and Jo. They can do more for you than I can right 
now. T'Chebbi can stay, if you wish." 


She nodded, covering his hands with hers. "Stay close." 
Leaning forward, he flicked his tongue gently across her cheek. "Of course. Where else would I be?" 
He joined Rezac back at the door. "I'll fetch Jo, but remember, Carrie's pregnant, and we're only hours 


from our Link day," he said quietly. 
Rezac reached out impulsively to touch Kaid's arm. "We'll be especially gentle with her," he promised. 
Kaid sat outside the door in the corridor, feeling every touch as if it was happening to him. As each 


scratch was treated, he saw and felt not only the present pain, but the remembered pain of how it was 
inflicted. By the time Rezac came out, Kaid was fit to be tied. 


"Did you have to be so rough?" he growled, but Rezac knew how to take him. 
"I treated her like a newborn!" he protested. "Jo, too! Look, I can do more. I can make her forget it 
happened. It might be best for her." 


"What does she say?" 
Rezac sighed. "She says no." 
"Then you have your answer. Are you done?" 
"Yes, but, Kaid," he began, catching hold of him. 
"What?" he asked, anxious to be with her. 
"I know you said it's your Link day, but leave it as long as you can. Tomorrow would be best." 
Kaid glowered at him, outraged. "What d'you think I am? Some thoughtless youngling?" he demanded. 
"No, but you're new to Leska Links," he said candidly. "It isn't easy denying them for even an hour, let 


alone a day." 
Kaid growled and shut the door firmly. 
"How is she?" asked Tirak as soon as Jo and T'Chebbi rejoined the others in the main room. 
"She'll be fine, physically" said Jo, as they headed over to the dispenser to get drinks. "I think they got to 



her pretty quickly. J'koshuk was known for his sadistic tendencies 
more than anything else." 
"Mentally?" 
Jo joined Tirak at his table. "She'll cope. Being strong-minded helps." 
"Carrie's strong-minded for sure," agreed T'Chebbi as she sat down. 
"And Kaid's wounds? Where did they come from?" 
"Ah," said Jo, taking a sip of her drink and wondering how much to say. "Well, you could best describe 


them as sympathetic injuries. That isn't a normal occurrence even for us." 
"Where's Rezac?" asked Sheeowl, looking around for him. 
"Gone to see Zashou." 
"Then all this time travel stuff really happened?" 
"It happened, Captain," said T'Chebbi. "I was there when they left. Was their souls that went, their 


bodies remained. 
Got new bodies as they arrived in past." 
Tirak stared at her. 
"True," she insisted. "Was a religious ritual. Been done many times before. Except, they were the first to 


come back. Others just died." 


Tirak made a noise deep in his throat. "Well, I hope she's all right. Damned shame they didn't find Kusac 
as well." 
"I hope you're satisfied now," said Rezac, pacing back and forth in their room. "Thank the Gods neither I 


nor Kaid rose to your taunts. All you did was make yourself look extremely foolish." 
"I know," she said quietly, examining her hands. 
"T'Chebbi was right. You've made it quite clear you don't want me and wish our Link had never 


happened, so why must you keep following me around and intruding where you don't want to be in the 
first place? It's got to stop right now, Zashou." 


"I'm sorry. I'll leave you alone." 
He stopped in front of her. "You've gotten most of what you want now Jo's pregnant. My Link with her 
is stronger than ours, so you only need to have occasional Link days with me. Who knows? You may be 
lucky and our Links will stay as they are. You can have your own life, Zashou, like you always wanted. 
Just let me have mine." 


"Yes, Rezac." 


Surprised at her cooperative and subdued reaction, he could only say, "Good," and leave before she 
changed her mind. 
Once he'd gone, Zashou curled up unhappily in her bed. She wasn't used to rejection, and Rezac, for the 


first time since she'd met him, had just rejected her completely. She didn't like it, and didn't know how to 
deal with it. Why hadn't she listened to her own good advice when she'd first realized what she was 
doing? 



** * 

** * 

He knew that cry. He'd heard it the night her parents' ship had gone missing. She clung to him, fingers 
wound deep into his pelt, head resting on his shoulder against his neck, and sobbed. Holding her close, 
he returned with her to his own bed where he sat stroking her back rhythmically, making soothing noises. 

"Hush, little one," he whispered, beginning to rock her gently. "I know. It's your Mamma again, isn't it? 
She'll be fine, don't you fret about her." 

Gradually, the sobs stopped and she began to relax, sliding 
lower in his arms. He reached for the 
drawer in his night table, pulling out the small piece of her old blanket he kept there, and put it into her 
hands. It was grabbed instantly and she began to chew on it. 

Yawning, Dzaka carefully edged his way into bed, cradling 
the drowsy cub till he could lay her down 
beside him. Curling protectively round her, he pulled the cover over them both and was almost instantly 
asleep. 

** * 

Brynne woke more suddenly. Still caught by the dream of being attacked, he reached slowly under his 
pillow for the pistol he'd put there earlier. Keeza lay motionless beside 
him, deeply asleep. A movement 
against his other side sent fear racing through him till he realized it was Belle. 

Mentally, he scanned the room. Empty apart from themselves. 
He ranged wider, to the rest of the 
house, then the garden beyond, but apart from Banner and Jurrel, nothing. He began to relax. No 
intruder was looking for Keeza. 

He slid the pistol back, thinking through the dream, needing to be sure it wasn't more. It was the one he'd 
shared with Keeza, the one when she'd been attacked. There was something different about it this time, 
though, a flash of color where there'd been none before. Red. It had looked like red. He replayed it again 
in his mind, trying to remain detached, not get drawn into it. Yes, he had seen red, and more, a hand. If 
only it was like a vid and he could rewind and stop the images! Once more he endured it, watching this 
time for the image of a hand. It was there, and the sight of it burned into his mind, making him slide from 
the bed and grab his robe. 

Stuffing his arms into the sleeves, he belted it as he ran down the stairs, heading for the den and his 
comm. Within moments, he was keying in the special code for Stronghold, the one reserved for the 
Brothers. He slid into his seat, waiting to be connected. The duty officer answered him. 

"Brother Brynne. What can I do for you?" 

"I need to speak urgently to Father Lijou." 

The officer frowned. "It's early morning here, Brother. Father Lijou is likely eating right now, with Tutor 
Kha'Qwa. Is it that urgent? Perhaps his aide could help instead?" 

"He'll want to hear what I've got to tell him," said Brynne grimly. "I'm under orders to report to him 
personally." 

As soon as he was connected to the Guild Master, Brynne gave him his news. "The Valtegans have got 


them," he said. "I saw it. Another dream, vision, call it what you want, it's them." 

them," he said. "I saw it. Another dream, vision, call it what you want, it's them." 

"My Leska saw them on Keiss, Father. I know exactly what they look like. It's them, and they've at least 
got Carrie, 
probably Kusac and the others." 

"Record the vision now, before you forget any details. I don't want to discuss this further over the comm. 
I'll join you tomorrow or the day after. Get Garras to sort some quarters out for me." The screen went 
black. 

* * * 

Kusac heard the door to his cell hiss open. The chill of the steel floor under him had sapped what 
strength he'd had left, leaving him too stiff to move. A strange mixture of scents wafted over to him, 
teasing his nose with their unfamiliarity as he tried to identify them. A pattering sound was coming toward 
him. He tried to open eyes that were gritty and swollen. Jerkily, he pulled his arm up and pawed at his 
face, hearing the pattering stop then hastily retreat. 

A thrumming hum became audible, quickly turning into a burst of sound that was instantly recognizable as 
speech. He raised his head to look, catching sight of a cloud of strips of gauzy cloth amid which he could 
glimpse spindly bronze-colored legs. 

"What the…" 

A rifle coughed and something hit him hard at the juncture 
of his neck and shoulder. Before he could 
yelp in pain, his vision faded and his head hit the floor again. 

"Conscious not you said!" the being hummed angrily, limbs and draperies moving continuously in 
agitation. "Place not again me at risk!" 

"You should have waited," said the Seniormost's translator. 

He made a sound of disapproval, mandibles making a small rattling noise as they quivered, but he began 
to settle down to stillness again. "Look now I will." Three-toed feet pattering on the floor, he stalked into 
the room, folding himself down to peer at the Sholan. Dark pupils swirling in the center of large oval eyes, 
he shifted his field of vision to the lower lens. 

Three reed thin fingers touched Kusac's face, gently prodding at the swellings and cuts before moving 
lower to check the rest of his body. It was accomplished quickly, and finished, he stood up. 

"Blame not this me for. Warned you I did of your priest. Not stable. Listen you didn't, results now here." 
He pointed to Kusac's still form. 

"I did not ask you to implant him, Kzizysus. The experiment 
with the priest is terminated. He's being 
implanted now, Commander's orders." 

"For Sholans not intended this device. Medical center delivered have him." With that, the being stalked 
out in a swirl of draperies and scents. 

Behind it, the Seniormost signed to the guards to pick up the body. 

* * * 

Day 33 


"You asked for proof, Commander Chuz. It's there, in your hands," said Rhyaz. 

"You asked for proof, Commander Chuz. It's there, in your hands," said Rhyaz. 

"Obviously I'm aware of the location, Commander, but as IVe said already, this is a Brotherhood matter 
and I will not divulge it." 

"You seriously expect me to believe that your handful of people are capable of dealing with a ship able to 
not only disable the Profit, but remove it from that sector of space? Don't make me laugh!" snorted 
Chuz, slamming the message back on his desk. 

"You're missing the point, Commander," said Rhyaz, beginning 
to get irritated. "We don't intend to stop 
it, except as a last resort. The point of us being there is to try to engage it in talks." 

Chuz got to his feet. "Rhyaz, this whole conversation is ridiculous in the extreme," he said angrily. "You 
have neither 
the people, the craft, nor the experience to conduct such an undertaking. You're just a 
fancy version of the Warrior Guild with ideas beyond your capabilities. Now, I order you to give me the 
location immediately, or face charges of treason." 

"I must refuse. This is a Brotherhood matter, Commander, 
and will remain one. We have the people, 
and the constitutional right to deal with it. I suggest you speak to the captains of your fleet in the 
immediate future to find out just how many operatives we have." 

"Then you leave me no option but to arrest you for treason." 

"I wouldn't do that, Chuz," said General Raiban softly. "Not a good idea at all." 

Chuz glowered at her. "I just have. I'd have expected more support from you, Raiban! Dammit, we can't 
have unrecognized pseudo-military groups holding Shola and its appointed Forces to ransom!" 

"Are you prepared to withdraw your accusations, Commander?" 
asked Rhyaz quietly, remaining seated. 

"Not unless you're prepared to give me that location right now!" 

"This is not wise, not wise at all, Rhyaz," said Raiban frowning. "You should have told Commander Chuz 
of your appointment first." 

"It shouldn't make any difference, Raiban," said Rhyaz. "That's my point. Chuz, I'll ask you one last time, 
do you withdraw your accusations?" 

"What appointment?" demanded Chuz, leaning toward him across his desk. 

"Commander Rhyaz," she said, emphasizing his rank, "was appointed to the High Command last night by 
the decision of the World Council." 

"Impossible! And he's not a commander! Self-conferred ranks don't mean anything here!" 

"Chuz, for the Gods' sake, sit down and shut up before you dig yourself into a deeper pit," snapped 
Raiban. "Rhyaz, don't you…" 

"Consider yourself Challenged as unfit to lead the High Command," said Rhyaz, drowning out Raiban. 
"On the grounds of your inability to assess the situation without a personal bias. Jorto, you've witnessed 


this." 

this." 

"What?" Stunned, Chuz sat down. "You can't." 

Raiban growled. "I warned you, Chuz. Rhyaz, you set this up, damn you!" 

"Me, General? When you yourself warned Chuz to be careful of what he was saying, and I gave him two 
chances to retract it? I think not. Jorto, tell them about the World Council decision, if you please." 

"The matter was first brought to the Council's attention some two months ago at the request of Governor 
Nesul, to bring the Brotherhood in line with the other recognized military bodies on Shola and in space. 
The final discussion was scheduled for next week, but in view of the impending situation with the missing 
En'Shalla Brotherhood members, it was decided to reschedule it for last night. It was passed with an 
almost unanimous vote." 

"As a High Command member, I have the right as an equal to Challenge you. And I have," said Rhyaz 
quietly. "However, I will give you an option. You may face a Brother of my choosing, of the same age as 
yourself, or you may step down voluntarily as President. The choice is yours. Either way, you will not 
ever repeat your allegations against myself or the En'Shalla Brotherhood." 

"You can't do this," repeated Chuz, looking from one to the other of them. 

"I'm afraid he can," said Raiban. "You knew he already had the backing of Konis, myself, and Naika at 
the last meeting, if he could produce proof. With his own vote he now has a majority. Before that, you 
had an even split on the Council, a clear indication his request should be taken seriously. You dug that pit 
yourself, and compounded it with allegations of treason and personal insults, Chuz." 

"The Brotherhood was set up specifically to protect our people during the Cataclysm, a time of great civil 
unrest. We existed before even the Warrior Guild. We were the military backbone of Shola then," said 
Rhyaz. "Our constitutional 
role was to protect those deemed important to Shola. It's still our role. I told 
you this at our last meeting, showed you the entry pertaining to the Brotherhood in the transcripts of those 
first meetings setting up the guild system. 
You chose to ignore them. What's your choice, Chuz? The 
Challenge circle, or retirement as President?" 

"You know there's no real choice," he growled. "I'll step down, dammit! I wondered what you were 
doing here, Raiban, 
now I know. You've gotten what you wanted, Rhyaz. Just remember, you'd better 
not fail, because if you do…" 

"Chuz!" warned Raiban, thoroughly exasperated. 

Rhyaz began to relax. He'd come prepared for anything from an armed takeover to his own rescue. Chuz 
had been President for many years, but they were facing less peaceful times. They needed someone 
younger and with a greater depth of vision to head the Council now. 

"Your retirement as President is noted, Commander Chuz," said Jorto quietly. "As Second, all powers 
vested in the position of President are yours until a duly appointed successor has been elected, General 
Raiban." 

Raiban got to her feet. "We've got work to do, Rhyaz. Chuz, I'll see you later," she said, heading for the 
door. 

As they made their way down the corridor to Raiban's office, she glanced at him and at his escort of four 


Brothers and Jorto. "You came prepared. Just as well," she sighed. 


"Had Chuz seen sense there would have been no need to force him to retire, Raiban," he said quietly. "As 
you said, he dug his own pit." 
"So you're a commander, are you?" 
"As head of the Warrior side of the Order, yes. Apart from the teaching staff, we don't hold a rank unless 


on a mission. We are only Brothers and Sisters, and the juniors in training." 
She grunted. "Strange way to do things. Anyway, what is it you need?" 
"A fighter carrier and three hundred fighters," he said, "'plus the use of some troop transporters to get the 


Brothers to their ships. We've got everything else." 


"Those decommissioned ships you've been buying up?" She shook her head. "If you won't give us the 
location, at least give me an idea of what sector you're in so I know how to plan our defense." 
Rhyaz had always been prepared to give that information. 
"Between the Chemerian and Jalnian sectors. 


Far enough out from Shola to give you plenty of time and space," he said, mouth opening in a faint smile. 


"Should we fail." 
"You can have the craft, and the crew to fly them because 
I know you don't have that many pilots," said 
Raiban, 
opening her office door. "I expect to be kept informed, Rhyaz. If you find them, you have two 
people empowered to negotiate at this preliminary level—Kaid Tallinu and Kusac Aldatan." She shut the 
door firmly on Jorto and Rhyaz's escort. 


Rhyaz smiled gently to himself as he took a seat at Raiban's 
desk. "We'll be happy to take the crew we 


need, 
Raiban," he said, knowing full well he had all the resources he needed. Once his people took charge of 
the craft, they'd be gone, leaving Raiban's crew behind them. Let Raiban think she would have spies in 
his camp, it would keep her quiet for now. 


"I take it you'll have Kaid doing most of the talking." 
"That's the plan," agreed Rhyaz. "Kusac will be consulted, 
as he is a member of AlRel." 
Raiban raised an eye ridge as she activated her comm link to the main fleet. "He's qualified already?" 
"Let's face it, Raiban, he has had a lot of experience in the field, so to say, with several different alien 


species. That was taken into account when the board examined him before 
he went to Jalna." 
"Hmm. Well, let's hope you find them and manage to negotiate their release," she said. 


* * * 

Day 34 

"I tell you, I'm going back there tonight!" The soldier slammed the blade of the spade into the grass, 
stamped on the edge and lifted out the clump of earth, flinging it on the small pile that lay behind him. 

"Shut up, Fayal. The sergeant's around somewhere. He catches you talking like that and we'll all be 
grounded for the next month, never mind the next week!" 


Fayal growled, standing back from the hole and leaning on his spade. "Let him! Think I'm going to let 
someone else move in on that little female I've been sweetening up for myself? Forget it, Vryal! You want 
to stay on the estate, your choice. Rraysa, what about you? You coming with me?" 

Fayal growled, standing back from the hole and leaning on his spade. "Let him! Think I'm going to let 
someone else move in on that little female I've been sweetening up for myself? Forget it, Vryal! You want 
to stay on the estate, your choice. Rraysa, what about you? You coming with me?" 

"I asked you if you were coming," repeated Fayal. 

"No. This is my last day of this duty. I plan to keep it that way." He waited for Vryal to grab the post 
then began swinging the hammer, knocking it into the ground. 

"Spineless, that's what you are," Fayal snorted derisively. "You change your minds, I'll be here at 
fourteenth hour." 

"No way, not with those ferals you been feeding!" said Vryal. "Where are they, anyway? Thought they'd 
be out to complain at the noise we're making." 

"They're there, all right," said Fayal. "Watching us from behind those bushes on the other side. Won't 
bother, us when there's so many of us." 

Rraysa glanced over the low fence before giving the hammer 
a final swing. "One day, those cats are 
going to get you for walking all over their territory." 

"Not while I'm throwing them a nice chunk or three of raw meat," laughed Fayal, scooping a spadeful of 
soil up from his pile and dumping it round the base of the post. 

"Hurry up, Fayal," said Rraysa, sticking his hammer through his belt. "I want to get back to the base as 
soon as we're through here." 

"What for? To sit in the mess and drink c'shar? Spend the night watching vid comm?" He laughed again 
as he shoveled the remainder of the soil into the hole, then stamped on it to firm it down. "There," he said, 
moving out of the way. "Get on with it, then. Don't want that c'shar to get cold, do we?" 

Vryal began hauling the mesh back across the gap to the new post while Rraysa dug in one of his 
pockets for the staples to secure it. Within minutes they were finished and heading along the cleared area 
around the fence to the old gate track that led to the main estate. 

* * * 

Brynne was waiting with Garras and Vanna when Father Lijou arrived. He'd left Banner and Jurrel 
keeping Keeza company. Half an hour later, they were entering Brynne's home. 

"I want to know all the details," said Lijou, as he and Vanna were ushered into the den at the rear of the 
house to join Jurrel. 

Upstairs, Keeza heard their voices and felt a stir of memory. 
Excusing herself from Banner's company, 
she returned to her own room where she lay down on the bed. 

She'd heard the voice before, but where, and when? Fear that her new world, still so very fragile, was 
under threat again, filled her. She curled up, closing her eyes, wondering how much longer she'd have to 
endure the slow drip of returning memories. 

"A red-robed Valtegan," said Vanna thoughtfully. "We saw none like that. Most wore the one-piece 
fatigues like the Humans. Green ones. Red robes, though. Suggests someone important, some officer." 


"Priest?" asked Jurrel. "Priests always wear robes when on official duties." 


"Trouble is, we've got all our Valtegan experts off-world," said Lijou. "This must never happen again. 
Can you remember anything more, Vanna?" 
She shook her head. "Father Lijou, you're asking me to go back a long time." 
"They probably weren't on Keiss when you were there," said Brynne. "They were off killing the settlers 


on our two colony worlds." 


"That's true. If this one went with General M'ezozakk, then he's definitely someone of importance. What 
did you say he was doing in this vision?" she asked. 
"I didn't. He was attacking Carrie," said Brynne. 
"Attacking her? How?" 
"Sexually," said Brynne grimly. "He knew her as far as I could tell." 
"Oh, Gods! Not that!" said Vanna, shocked. "Didn't anyone stop him?" 
"I didn't see enough for that," said Brynne, putting his hand over hers. "Just think. Who among the 


Valtegans knew her?" 
"No one! Her sister was another matter… That's it! He must have known her sister, Elise!" 
"Elise?" asked Jurrel. 
"Her twin. She worked undercover for the Human guerrillas 
in the city of Geshader as a prostitute to the 


Valtegan 
officers." 


"Wasn't she caught and tortured?" asked Lijou. "I seem to remember reading it in some files not long 
after Carrie arrived here." 
"Yes. She was. Can you access those files from here? Perhaps what we need is in them," said Vanna. 
"The comm is over there," said Brynne, pointing to his desk. "Please, help yourself." 
It took only some ten minutes before Lijou found what they wanted. "The red-robed priest was the 


torturer," he said, turning back to them. "May Vartra protect them if they're with him. Now we know the 


nature of the threat." 
"Hold on," said Vanna. "Not so fast. We're forgetting something here. Carrie was put into cryo with a 
serious injury. How can she possibly be in any fit state for even a Valtegan to rape her? I didn't see any 
evidence on Keiss that the Valtegans were capable of performing that kind of surgery on Humans, let 
alone had drugs like fastheal to accelerate healing." 


"You're right," said Brynne, thinking it through. "That's what the dreams of the tiled room and the bright 
lights were. But the priest was definitely present last night." 


"If not the Valtegans, then who?" asked Jurrel. "Who would let one of them have access to her?" 
"More Valtegans," said Lijou, feeling a chill run through him as he remembered what Rhyaz had said 
about the wreckage that had been found and the traces of ships' signatures. 
There had been two others 
as well as those of the Profit. 



"More?" asked Vanna. 

"More?" asked Vanna. 

"How many more? More ships? Their world? What?" 

"I'm not at liberty to say," said Lijou, tight-lipped. "I want to go through all your dreams again, Brynne. 
Vanna, nothing you hear in this room, or pick up from Brynne, is to go any further. I need a Leska pair 
working for the Brotherhood at Stronghold for the foreseeable future. They must leave immediately. Can 
you get Garras to allocate us a team? Reliable, stable people, those with the longest mental reach." 

"Tamghi and Kora," she said instantly. "What's up with Vriuzu? Is he ill?" 

"He has duties elsewhere," said Lijou. "Please see to it immediately." 

"You're on alert as of now," he said to Brynne and Jurrel 
once she'd gone. "I'd hoped to avoid involving 
you, Brynne, but it seems we may have no choice. Whatever took the Rryuk's Profit, and it looks likely 
that it involves Valtegans, has Brothers and Sisters capable of giving them the location of Shola. We 
could be facing a Valtegan invasion." 

"Have you told High Command?" asked Jurrel. 

"High Command has given us the authority to deal with aspects of the situation," said Lijou carefully. "As 
of yesterday, 
the Brotherhood is now a member of that council. Vartra warned us to mobilize our 
people, and we have done so." 

"I thought the halls were a little empty of late," murmured 
Jurrel. 

"Your visions are our best source of information, Brynne. More, you have an open invitation to visit 
Vartra. I need you to dream-walk to His realm today to see what more He can tell you." 

Brynne nodded. "I forgot to mention Dzaka told me Kashini woke again the same night I had my dream." 

"Let's pray the cub is only aware of danger and not actually seeing what's happening to her parents. I 
need to contact Master Rhyaz and update him," Lijou said, turning back to the comm. 

* * * 

Crouched on the tree branch, Kezule could see the fence for twenty feet on either side of the disused 
gate. The night was hot, the air alive with the chirring of insects. Nearby, the ferals roamed, leaping over 
the low fence at will yet never triggering an alarm from the sensor grid. 

Earlier in the evening, after he saw the one called Fayal jump the fence and leave for the town, he'd tried 
throwing a stone through. No response. It was as if there existed a dead spot that the alarm system 
couldn't—or wouldn't— pick up. Having watched the ferals, he thought knew why. For most species, 
they were deterrent enough. Not for him. All he had to do was emit the right scent and they'd be gone. 
He'd had to use it before when he'd disturbed a nesting pair with young. Fear of them had given way to 
anger at the thought he'd come all this way, survived the Sholans' hunt, only to be torn to pieces by feral 
cats! His anger scent had had them squalling in terror and running for cover. 

He looked up at the moon overhead. Only one tonight, and that on the wane. By his reckoning, it had 
been six hours since Fayal had gone out. Soon he should be back. 

Though almost convinced the sensors were permanently disabled at this point, he wasn't prepared to take 


the risk. Far safer to wait for this Fayal to return and enter just behind him. And if the Sholan did sense 
him, then who would wonder at the ferals turning on him? Shifting uncomfortably, 
he eased his limbs a 
fraction, then settled down again, watching and waiting. He was going in tonight, one way or another. 
Two days he'd been sitting watching this place, ever since he'd seen the ferals leaping in and out without 
setting off the alarms. Now, at last, it had paid off. 

the risk. Far safer to wait for this Fayal to return and enter just behind him. And if the Sholan did sense 
him, then who would wonder at the ferals turning on him? Shifting uncomfortably, 
he eased his limbs a 
fraction, then settled down again, watching and waiting. He was going in tonight, one way or another. 
Two days he'd been sitting watching this place, ever since he'd seen the ferals leaping in and out without 
setting off the alarms. Now, at last, it had paid off. 

Fayal emerged staggering from the overgrown pathway. Seeing the fence, he pulled himself upright, took 
a deep breath, and began to advance toward it more carefully. 

"Mustn't forget the ferries," he muttered, stopping almost 
beneath Kezule's hiding place to dig deep in his 
uniform 
jacket pocket. "Where did I put it? Wouldn't think you could lose bits of chiddoe in a pocket! 
Ah, there you are," he said cheerfully, pulling a sealed container out. With great deliberation, he began to 
open it. 

Kezule was also keeping an eye on the ferals. Unnoticed by Fayal, the larger female had been laying in 
wait for him and was now cautiously emerging from the undergrowth. Belly flat to the ground, tail 
extended behind her flicking lazily at the tip, she inched her way toward the drunken Sholan. 

Fayal, meanwhile, had pulled one of the bloody gobbets of meat from his container and was peering 
around, looking for the ferals. 

"Here, ferrie, feme," he chanted, waving the piece of meat in the air. 

The scent of the blood was enough for the large feline. It leaped at the Sholan, hitting him square in the 
chest and bringing him down to the ground. 

Fayal's cry of terror was drowned out by the cat's snarl as, dodging his flailing arms, it lunged for the 
meat. Its jaws closed on Fayal's arm instead and suddenly, both were fighting for their lives. 

The commotion brought the male and the two half-grown cubs running to join in the fray. Within 
moments, the fight was over and the feeding frenzy had begun. 

The feral's leap had thrown Fayal some six feet from the tree trunk. Now the cats were pulling and 
tugging the body around, snarling and snapping at each other. The sight sickened 
Kezule. His people 
eliminated any predator likely to threaten them as a matter of policy. To see a sentient being devoured by 
such animals, even if there was a rough justice to it, was not pleasant. 

He remembered why he was there. Now, while the ferals were occupied, would be the safest time to 
go—he hoped. He stood up, and gripping the trunk with his claws, stepped onto the next thick branch, 
taking himself farther from the felines. If he crawled along it to the middle before dropping to the ground, 
it gave him the shortest distance to the fence. Once there, he could make for the tree he'd spotted during 
daylight. It had several limbs low enough for him to leap up and grab hold of. The ferals could climb 
trees, but he doubted they'd be willing to leave that much meat to come after him. 

Cautiously he edged along the branch, squatting at the farthest point that would bear his weight. He 
waited for his moment, eyes never leaving the ferals as they ripped and tore at what to them was only a 
carcass. He sprang, jumping outward, landing only a few feet from the fence. Clearing it in one bound, he 
raced for the tree, having a moment's panic as he briefly lost his bearings. Then he was jumping for the 


branch, legs swinging in midair as he scrabbled with his claws for a hold. He could feel their hot breath on 
his legs, he knew he could, then he was up and clutching tightly to the branch. 

branch, legs swinging in midair as he scrabbled with his claws for a hold. He could feel their hot breath on 
his legs, he knew he could, then he was up and clutching tightly to the branch. 

* * * 

Day 35 

Master Rhyaz got to his feet as L'Seuli entered his office. The younger male looked tired and drawn. 

"Master Rhyaz," he said, touching his right fist to his left shoulder in salute. "You asked me to report as 
soon as I got back." 

"Finished so soon, L'Seuli? I really didn't expect you for another two days at the earliest." 

"I knew the matter was urgent, Master Rhyaz. The outpost 
jump points are far faster than the normal 
routes, especially 
in Striker." 

"Sit down and make your report, then, Commander," he said, gesturing to the chair by his desk. 

"Thank you," said L'Seuli, accepting the seat gratefully. "All four outposts are fully manned and ready, 
with provision 
made to accept the extra designated craft when the time comes. Training missions for 
flight and gunnery crews have already been implemented and morale is high. The commanders are aware 
of the possibility of incoming signals or telepathic messages from our missing personnel, and the likelihood 
of pursuit. Or possibly, of invasion." 

Rhyaz nodded. "Well done. I've had similar reports in from our agents in the Forces. Those Brothers and 
Sisters who could not be recalled under some pretext are ready to leave immediately they get the word. 
Transport will be arranged from each sector to take them to Refuge, ready to crew the Va'Khoi. What's 
her current status?" 

"My visit to Refuge took an extra day," said L'Seuli. "I took the time to inspect the Va'Khoi thoroughly. 
They're still working on the main drive problem but as for the rest, the ship's up and running. As you 
know, the refit should have been completed by your predecessor, Ghezu, but he decided to scale down 
the work. Our people have done extremely well in the short time they've had." 

"Let's hope Ghezu's delay doesn't cost us dearly," said Rhyaz. "How long till she's fully operational?" 

L'Seuli consulted his wrist comm. "Should be ready in a day or two if she isn't ready now," he said. 
"Captain 

T'Chaku said if she had a Toubian swarm, she'd have been ready two weeks ago." 

"You know we couldn't reveal we have these resources," said Rhyaz with a sigh. "If we'd been able to 
call in a swarm, we'd have been ready four years ago! When do they plan to test the Va'KhoiT 

"As soon as the drive is on-line and they get the go ahead from you. They have enough of a crew to man 
her for that, thankfully. The comp simulations looked good." 

"I'll contact Captain T'Chaku tonight. Thank you, L'Seuli. Go and rouse the kitchen for something to eat, 


then get some rest. I'll hear the remainder of your report tomorrow." 
L'Seuli began unfastening the gold commander's insignia as he got to his feet. 
Rhyaz frowned as he realized what his aide was doing. "Keep the rank for now, L'Seuli. When this finally 


breaks, I want you out there organizing security for the exchange of hostages." 
"As you wish, Master Rhyaz," murmured L'Seuli, taking his leave. 


* * * 

Day 36 

It was late afternoon of the next day before Brynne and Father Lijou were ensconced in one of the 
rooms at the Shrine with the meditation lamp. 

"I'll watch you as before," said Lijou, arranging himself comfortably on the prayer mat. 

Brynne nodded and began to recite the litanies that would allow him to slip into a light trance. He was still 
somewhat nervous and Lijou picked it up. 

"There is nothing for you to fear, Brynne. As I've told you, you have Vartra's invitation to travel to His 
realm." 

Vartra was not alone. Noni was with him, but it wasn't the Noni Brynne knew. This one was younger. 
The pelt and long, braided hair were no longer snow white but a rich brown; her back was straighter and 
she had no need of the stick. 

"What you doing here, boy?" she demanded of him as Vartra let him into his cottage. She turned on the 
Entity, who, totally unperturbed, went for the jug of water and mugs on the sideboard. "He shouldn't be 
here!" 

"I told you not to interfere, Noni," Vartra said, returning to the table."Sit, Brynne. You're welcome here. 
Noni was leaving." 

She frowned. "I was, was I?" 

"You were. Our business is concluded, Grandmother." 

"Who brought him to you? Was it that tree-climbing, good for nothing Dhaika?" 

As Brynne took a seat as far from her as possible, he could tell that though her outward form might have 
changed, she had not. 

"I did. You asked for the price to be paid, Noni," said Vartra, holding her gaze with his. "It will be. Our 
way. And he is part of it." 

Muttering under her breath, Noni got to her feet and turned to leave. As she went through the door, she 
looked back, fixing a steely glare on Brynne. "You, boy, did not see me here." Then she was gone. 

"A strong female," said Vartra as the door closed behind her. "I will miss her when her time comes." He 
looked up at Brynne. "No, it's not soon," he said, mouth opening in a slight smile. "She stands for the old, 
wild ways of Shola, before the days of the guilds. Soon she will bring Teusi, the next generation, to 
me—a male for a female." He sighed, then picked up the jug to pour water into the two mugs. 


"What brings you to my realm, Brynne Stevens? I see you have found Keeza Lassah." He pushed a mug 
toward Brynne, picking up his own. "And a cub on the way. too." He raised his mug to the Human 
before drinking. 

"What brings you to my realm, Brynne Stevens? I see you have found Keeza Lassah." He pushed a mug 
toward Brynne, picking up his own. "And a cub on the way. too." He raised his mug to the Human 
before drinking. 

"She has her part to play." 

"Did you send her to me? She said she followed a dream of Noni's garden and the smell of her nung 
tree." 

"Not me. Perhaps Ghyakulla had a little to do with it." 

"Tell me how come I feel her in my mind when I already have a Leska and a third," Brynne asked 
abruptly. "Garras is no telepath, is that why Keeza and I have a bond?" He took another drink from the 
mug, a larger one this time. 

"There are no set groupings for you En'Shallans. What you are experiencing is the beginnings of 
something new. A community of people, all bound together by their Talents, 
be they great or small. Not 
in your lifetime, Brynne, but it'll be there for your children. You haven't told me yet why you came," he 
said gently. 

Brynne blinked owlishly at him. He was finding it difficult to focus on his surroundings and was beginning 
to feel a little light-headed. He took another drink, then stopped, looking suspiciously at the mug before 
carefully putting it down. "Father Lijou sent me to ask what's going on," he said. "We know the Valtegans 
have got them, but we don't know why or which ones." 

"Then you know more than I do. My knowledge is limited 
outside my realm, Brynne, as is the help I can 
give." 

"What is your realm?" 

"Look around you," invited Vartra. "What do you see?" 

Gazing around the room, he peered through the haze gathering in front of his eyes. Images of gray-clad 
Sholans, weapons drawn, facing off an unseen enemy flicked into being: the blackness of space, sounds 
of conflict, and the scent of ozone in the air after energy weapons had been discharged. 

"Then you've seen what's coming for yourself," he heard Vartra say as the scenes faded to darkness. 
"Danger lurks closer to home for some. You have to solve your own problems, 
Brynne. Use the skills 
Derwent taught you, then you can see without drinking the water from Ghyakulla's well." 

The voice was fading now, leaving Brynne in darkness and silence as his head slumped down to hit the 
table. 

With a gasp, Brynne came to and found himself back in the Shrine with Father Lijou helping him sit up. 
There was a mug of water in the priest's hand for him. He groaned, pushing the proffered drink aside as, 
inside his mind, he heard the faint sound of laughter. 

"I hate it when He does that," muttered Brynne, putting his hand up to rub his head. 

"What?" asked Lijou. 

"Laughs like that." 


"Kaid always said it was the most disconcerting thing about his visions," agreed the priest. 
"That is only water, isn't it?" 
Lijou frowned. "Of course." 
"Good," he said, taking the mug from him and draining it. "Because I just got slipped a spiked drink by 


Vartrai" 
"You saw something then?" 
"Yes. Armed Brothers in space." 
"Where? Could you see where?" 
"I don't know anything about space, Father Lijou. I wouldn't recognize the inside of a starship from a 


space station. It didn't look like all-out war, though. They were in a ship or a station, not fighting in small 


craft." 

"Contact." 
"Yeah, you could say that," he agreed, considering it for a moment. "He told me to use the stuff Derwent 
taught me rather than go drinking water from His well again." 


Lijou looked at him expectantly. 


"Maybe it's time I told you what Derwent taught me," Brynne said with a sigh. "One of the things I can do 


is go and look at a distant place, provided either there is someone 
there I know, or I have some 
information about where I'm going. It's as if I'm actually there." 
"How far can you travel like this?" This wasn't new. Carrie and Kusac had done it before. 
He shrugged. "Distance didn't seem to matter when we tried it. I could visit places back on Earth." 
Lijou stared at him. "You could travel to where Kusac and Carrie are," he said. "Find out what's 


happening. Can you talk to people? Affect your surroundings at all?" 
"I'm just an observer as far as I know." 
Lijou's wrist comm buzzed, alerting him to an incoming call. He pressed receive and found Rhyaz' face 


looking at him. 
"I'm with Brynne at the Shrine," he said. 
"Call me back," said Rhyaz, signing off abruptly. 
Lijou looked up at Brynne. "You'll have to excuse me. I'll meet you back at your house. You're fit to 


return on your own?" 
Brynne nodded, getting to his feet. "Just tired," he said. 


CHAPTER 14 

Kaid had woken early, relieved, despite the Prime's assurances, 
to find Carrie curled against him still 
asleep. In the three nights she'd been back, this was her first restful sleep without nightmares. He hadn't 
been sure how best to help her. With T'Chebbi, it had been easier. She'd been kept prisoner by the 


Claws for several months before he was able to escape Stronghold and go back to Ranz for her. Then 
they were running for their lives; there was no time to stop and worry about anything else. He'd taken her 
to Noni, where the Brothers had been waiting for him. The repercussions of his illicit leave of absence 
had seen him incarcerated for several weeks before he was allowed to visit Noni again to see her. 

Claws for several months before he was able to escape Stronghold and go back to Ranz for her. Then 
they were running for their lives; there was no time to stop and worry about anything else. He'd taken her 
to Noni, where the Brothers had been waiting for him. The repercussions of his illicit leave of absence 
had seen him incarcerated for several weeks before he was allowed to visit Noni again to see her. 

When he'd finally been allowed back into his room, Carrie 
had been sitting in his bed, wearing his gray 
tunic. She'd looked up as he'd entered. 

"Before you ask, I'm all right," she said, but despite the fierce determination in her voice and mind, he 
could tell she wasn't. 

He came closer, sitting on the edge of T'Chebbi's bed. "I'm not much of a bodyguard, am I?" he said, 
reaching out to touch her bruised cheek with gentile fingertips. 

She flinched, then forced herself to remain still, but he dropped his hand without touching her. 

"I tried to make them come for me but we rarely see the Primes. I'm sorry." 

"It wasn't your fault," she said, hands clutching at the blanket wrapped over her legs. "It was because of 
Elise. She laughed at him." 

He was at a loss to know what to do or say, and couldn't sense much from their Link as she was 
blocking her emotions from him—just as he was from her. "Can I do anything?" he asked. "Get you 
anything?" 

She looked at him, eyes glittering too brightly in the artificial light. "Yes. You can hold me. I'm not made 
of glass." 

"I didn't want to touch you without knowing I could," he said, going down on his knees to wrap his arms 
carefully round her. She was so fragile and brittle right now, he was afraid she'd break. 

He felt her begin to shake and held her closer as sobs began to wrack her. "It's over," he said 
awkwardly, 
pulling her head down onto his shoulder. 

"Just tell me you still love me," she wept. "That you don't hate me. I need to hear you say it, even if it's a 
lie!" 

"Gods, no!" He was shocked she could even think that. "How could I ever hate you?" He turned her 
tear-soaked face to his. "I love you, Carrie. You're my life." He touched his lips to hers, meaning it to be 
only a gentle kiss, but she returned it frantically, her hands reaching for his face, twining themselves in his 
long hair. Her mental barriers broke then, and he felt her fear of his rejection, the beginnings of 
self-loathing 
that she'd let this happen to her. 

It wasn't your fault, he sent. How could you have stopped him? He's physically stronger even than 
us. And how could I ever reject you because of it? You mustn't blame or hate yourself. He broke 
the kiss then, climbing into the bed beside her. 

She leaned against him, rubbing her eyes as the sobs began to diminish. "Just hold me," she whispered, 
wrapping her arms around his chest. "I need to feel you close. I don't want to be alone." 

He did, holding her close even when she drifted off to sleep, remembering the first time he'd held her, 


pregnant and sobbing then with fear of the alien cub she carried. A short time later, she'd woken with a 
cry of horror at the first of the nightmares. 

pregnant and sobbing then with fear of the alien cub she carried. A short time later, she'd woken with a 
cry of horror at the first of the nightmares. 

She stirred, turning round till she faced him. "We have to find Kusac first," she said, opening her eyes and 
looking up at him. "I felt him, Tallinu. Felt his mind and yours when I used the gestalt." 

"He's not here, Carrie," he said in Highland, stroking her face. "They only found you." 

"They lied about me, they're lying about Kusac. I smelled his scent on J'koshuk." 

"I didn't feel him, Dzinae," he said gently. "As for his scent, the mind can play funny tricks on you at times 
like that. I know." 

A puzzled look crossed her face, followed by one of understanding. 
"Oh, no, not you," she said, 
catching hold of his hand. "Yet you still sent your child-self forward to our time. How could you do it, 
knowing what you faced?" 

"It happens," he said. "I did it because I knew the future held you. Memories of what we'd share made 
me stronger, helped me survive those years." 

"Like you've helped me so many times," she said, kissing his fingers. "But I did sense Kusac. He's here 
and he's alive. I know he's not dead." 

"I felt your mind when they woke you, Carrie. I'd have felt him, too. How could you and I be Leska 
Linked if he was alive and out of cryo?" 

She closed her eyes, leaning her forehead against his chest. "I don't know. Maybe we Linked because 
you were there and he wasn't." 

"We can't stay here any longer, Carrie. They keep taking us, in pairs, when we're asleep. Jo's pregnant, 
you are, and Kate will be soon, if she isn't already. We have to go now before they separate us again." 

"You think they're breeding us? Why? Why would they want to do that?" 

"You know why. They've been studying our Talent. Giy-esh heard them saying they implanted the 
Valtegans from M'ezozakk's crew to make them more docile. Think what a troop of tame telepaths 
could do for them. I won't live in slavery, Carrie, and I don't want our child born into it." He tried not to 
sound forceful, but he was determined that they wouldn't remain any longer. "We've got to get home and 
warn them." 

"You and Tirak are prepared to have us die rather than live in captivity, aren't you?" 

"Do you want to live here and have your mind controlled and your body abused again?" This time he was 
being almost 
brutal. He had to make her realize that remaining wasn't an option. 

"But he's here," she whispered, clutching the long fur on his chest. "We can't leave without him!" 

"Then you'll have to choose, Carrie," he said, his voice becoming tight. "Are you willing to risk your life, 
our cub's, and mine, on the faint chance that Kusac is on this vessel? What about Kashini and your fears 
she's in danger? More people than Kusac depend on you right now. If you stay, then I've no choice but 


to remain. If that happens, the others probably won't make it, and Shola itself will be in danger." 
"That's not fair, Tallinu." Her eyes began to fill with tears. 
"What you're doing isn't fair," he said, holding her closer. "You're working on emotions here, not logic. 


You know how much I love Kusac. Gods, if I believed he was here, I'd do my utmost to find him!" 


She was silent for a minute, remembering Khuushoi's warning. "I don't have a choice. I'll go with you," 
she said quietly. 
"Remember Winter's kiss," whispered Kaid, sharing her memory. "When they woke you the second 


time, I heard that in my mind. Vartra told me the Entities couldn't come this far from Shola." 
"Khuushoi said it was because I was in Her realm." She shivered. 
"I know how afraid of cryo you are, but we had no choice," said Kaid, wrapping himself and the covers 


round her to warm her. "You would have died of your wounds before we could reach the rendezvous." 
"I'm not afraid of it, exactly. It's because I'm aware when I shouldn't be. My mind was still functioning on 


some strange level. At one point it was as if I was floating over Shola. That's when I saw the danger to 
Kashini." 
"The greenness creeping toward the estate." 
"I've seen that green before. It was a sharp, bright color, like the la'quo resin. And like J'koshuk's skin," 


she said slowly, "when he touched me." 
"Why green? It isn't the color of danger, unless…" 
"Unless it's to do with the Valtegans," finished Carrie, pushing him back to see his face clearly. "Kezule. 


He's the threat." 
"How? He's at Shanagi, under the tightest security." 
"He's gotten out, I know he has!" 
"That's impossible," he said. "And even if he had, why would he head for the estate? He'd be more likely 


to go for the spaceport and try to get off Shola." 
"No, he'd want to go back to his own time. He'd head for us, not knowing we're off-world." 
He could feel the rising hysteria in her mind. "Enough Carrie. He doesn't know where we live." 
"If he escaped, he could easily find out! When he finds we're missing, he's going to take Kashini! We've 


got to get back, Tallinu! Now! That's the choice Khuushoi meant!" She tried to push him aside in an 


effort to get up from the bed but he held her tight, preventing her. 
"No. Calm down," he said firmly. "You're overreacting. First, we're leaving today, remember? I was the 
one persuading 
you of that. Second, if you're not calm and focused on what we're doing, it'll affect me 
and we'll fail. I'm dependent 
on you now, Carrie. I can't do my job if you're there, in my mind, 
panicking. Remember what you are, a Sister in the Brotherhood. Don't let me down." 


He felt her stop and face the fear. As it began to recede, she nodded slowly. "You're right. We've one 
chance. Worrying 
about what's happening back home won't get us there any sooner." 



He stroked her cheek, wondering if they'd see another night together. Now came the really hard part. 
"We've planned this escape during the weeks we've been here. I need to include you now, tell you what 
to do. We work well with the U'Churians, but when it comes to this, I know I can rely on you and 
T'Chebbi. We've got to get at least one person off this ship. If the rest of us don't make it, we have to 
survive long enough to kill our own people. There's another Leska pair, Kate and Taynar, and Rezac's 
formed a Triad with Jo. We only need to kill one of each group and the others will die. Same with us." 
He waited, hoping that she'd be strong enough to know this had to be faced and discussed. 

He stroked her cheek, wondering if they'd see another night together. Now came the really hard part. 
"We've planned this escape during the weeks we've been here. I need to include you now, tell you what 
to do. We work well with the U'Churians, but when it comes to this, I know I can rely on you and 
T'Chebbi. We've got to get at least one person off this ship. If the rest of us don't make it, we have to 
survive long enough to kill our own people. There's another Leska pair, Kate and Taynar, and Rezac's 
formed a Triad with Jo. We only need to kill one of each group and the others will die. Same with us." 
He waited, hoping that she'd be strong enough to know this had to be faced and discussed. 

"I won't," he said, gripping her tightly and kissing her, letting her feel how much he needed and loved her, 
and prayed they'd survive. 

Introductions over, under the cover of first meal, Kaid and Tirak briefed them all again on what they 
planned to do. 

"We're going to try and escape using bits of broken furniture 
against those armored Primes?" asked 
Zashou, looking 
from Tirak to Kaid. "We'll be like bugs against them!" 

"We only need one guard, then we've got two weapons," said Kaid. "They each have a rifle and a 
sidearm." 

"Manesh, round up the knives you've been adapting," said Tirak in a low voice. "Sheeowl, you and 
Giyesh loosen the faucet taps. I'll tell you when to disconnect them." 

"Taynar, help Kate. Jo and Zashou dismantle drawer units for planks. T'Chebbi, you and Jeran get all the 
liquid soap containers." 

"We get ours," said Annuur through his translator. "Also berry stones. Lots of them. On ground, make 
Primes fall." 

Kaid grinned and reached out to pat the Cabbaran leader on the shoulder. "Well thought out. Keep some 
back for throwing at their heads, too. It'll distract them just long enough for us to get in close." 

Annuur's prehensile lip wrinkled back in a grin. "They fall hard. We jump on them and chew through 
armor. Already 
spotted places." 

"Guns first," reminded Kaid. "With them we can keep those guards down. Helmets next to stop them 
communicating 
with each other." 

"Soap?" asked Carrie. 

"Cover faceplates," said T'Chebbi. "Squirt in breather grilles. Stops them communicating with each 
other." She grinned evilly, showing her teeth. "Makes them feel sick!" 

"Put some water in the containers first," Carrie advised. "More suds." 

T'Chebbi continued grinning. "Know that, don't worry." 

"What am I doing?" asked Rezac. 

"Helping me dig a hole through the wall to the door controls," said Kaid, getting up. "I want you to try 
using some of those psi tricks you showed me. Annuur, can your people grip the door when we're ready 


to try pulling it open?" 


The Cabbaran nodded, the crest of hair on his head bobbing 
with enthusiasm. He held his hands up, 
showing his long, thick claws. "Can dig into door, too." 
"The rest of you can gather round us, hiding us from any surveillance devices," said Tirak. 
"Let's move it. The longer we take, the more chance of them noticing what we're doing," said Kaid. 
"What can I do?" asked Carrie, catching hold of his hand and drawing his attention to her. 
"Help us with the wall," said Kaid, gripping her hand briefly. "Just use whatever psi abilities you think will 


work. You've done amazing things in the past" 
"Don't know that I've any rabbits left to pull out," she murmured, getting to her feet. 
Raid's brow wrinkled in thought over her reference, then the meaning came to him. "You never know till 


you try," he said. 
The wall, being a partition rather than one of the structural 
ones, was made of some lightweight plastic 
compound. Using a fork with all but one tine bent back, they were quickly able to stab their way into it, 


then use a knife to snap out larger chunks. Underneath the thin outer skin they discovered a softer 
expanded foam center. In the midst of this nestled the metal casing for the door mechanism. 
"The back plate's riveted on," said Tirak in disgust. 
"Let me." Rezac pushed forward to see it. "I'm not as good as Jaisa was, but I can try shaking it free," he 


offered. 
"Try," ordered Kaid, glancing at his comm unit. Ten minutes they'd taken so far. Too long. 
Rezac reached inside, putting his fingers on three of the rivets, and closed his eyes in concentration. 


Within moments, 
Carrie laid her hand on his shoulder, making him start and turn round. 
/ can help, she sent. 
He nodded and began again. 
Kaid watched with interest, feeling it for himself because of his Link with her, adding a little to the help 


Carrie was giving Rezac. Slowly Rezac began to draw his fingers back and as he did, the plate suddenly 


pivoted down, hanging from one rivet. 
Rezac let go, leaning against the wall for support while Carrie continued to hold his shoulder. Gradually 
the paleness 
around his nose faded and he nodded his thanks, moving 
out from under her hand. "Don't 
weaken yourself," he warned her. 


Meanwhile Tirak had grasped the plate, carefully easing it free to expose the tangle of wires and circuits. 
Kaid took Tirak's place. He was seeing the mechanism in reverse. What he had to decide now was 


whether to try and pull the whole unit inside and betray the fact that they were tampering with it, or try to 
activate it from this angle. 
As he looked at it, a small light began to glow, flicking from point to point, across the access side of the 


panel. "Someone's coming!" he hissed, turning round and pushing Carrie behind him. 



The group providing cover scattered, leaving Rezac at the other side as the door slid open. 

The group providing cover scattered, leaving Rezac at the other side as the door slid open. 

Kaid spun round and pointed the gun at the other Primes as Rezac and Tirak raced for the nearest guard. 
Surprise gave them the precious seconds needed to wrench the rifle from his unsuspecting hands and pull 
him into the room, where T'Chebbi, Mrowbay and Sayuk jumped on him, grabbing his sidearm. 

Rezac muttered an oath and demanded the handgun. As he was given it, he passed the rifle back to 
T'Chebbi. 

Rifles are trank darts far as I can tell, he sent. I'll check the pistol. A moment later he sent again. 
They're live. Pistol aimed at the remaining Seniormost and guard, he advanced on them. 

Jeran shot past him, diving for the Seniormost's legs. A shot barked out, the trank pellet just missing 
Jeran as he knocked the Seniormost into the guard, tumbling them all to the ground. 

The rest of Tirak's crew erupted into the corridor, and within seconds, the Primes were pinned down and 
their weapons taken. 

An alarm began to blare out, echoing throughout the corridors. 

"Get them inside," Kaid roared over the noise. He'd heard no sounds of combat from behind him. That 
bothered 
him until he sensed from Carrie what was happening. 

This one's wearing a gold tabard, she sent. A leader or senior officer at least. His faceplate's 
cracked. The Cabbar-ans are trying to get the helmet off. He's struggling a little but it's under 
control. Same with the guard. 

Hauled to their feet, the other two captives were dragged into the room… 

"Release the Seniormost," said a translator. "There is no need for this. We were coming to free you." 

"Which one spoke?" demanded Giyesh, looking at the two that were on their feet. 

/ can read them, sent Carrie. The gray one spoke. It's the gold one, he's their leader, and they're 
afraid for his safety. 

Kaid sensed her uncertainty. Something was bothering her, but there wasn't time for him to concern 
himself with that now. 

"Get their helmets off," said Tirak, taking the pistol from Nayash and stepping forward to help cover the 
door. 

Abruptly, the alarm stopped, the silence sounding deafening 
by comparison. 

"Watch the corridor," ordered Kaid, walking over to see the gold Prime for himself. "Strip them of all 
their armor. I want them as vulnerable as us." 

The gold-robed Prime lay stunned, one hand moving slightly, as Sheeowl helped the Cabbarans to 
unlock the helmet. The faceplate was cracked but not enough for him to see the occupant. He turned 


back to the other captives. The first guard was still on the floor with Mrowbay and Sayuk crawling over 
him. 


"This is unnecessary," repeated the gray Seniormost. "You are to be released." 
"We are leaving, with you as insurance. Tell your people that," said Kaid, gesturing to Manesh and 
Taynar to remove 
his helmet. 


"Leave our helmets. You will gain nothing by removing them," said the Seniormost, struggling between 


Manesh and Taynar. "You have not been harmed. Why do you attack us?" 
"Break his faceplate if he keeps struggling," ordered Kaid, turning to watch as the gold's helmet was 
finally lifted off. He blinked, not trusting his eyes, then moved closer till he was standing over the 
unconscious Prime. "Vartra's bones! Valtegans!" He spun around to watch as the others' helmets were 
removed. 


The gray Seniormost turned to look at him, large green eyes blinking rapidly in the unaccustomed 


brightness. 
From the doorway, Rezac looked back as he heard Raid's voice. His gun swung round to aim at the 
Seniormost but Tirak grabbed him. 


"Eyes front!" he snarled. "You're on duty now!" 
Growling, Rezac turned back to watch the corridor. 
"We are releasing you," said the Seniormost in Sholan. "There was no need for this attack." 
"You attacked us!" said Zashou from where she was helping to pull the second guard's helmet off. 
"We did not attack your craft. We took the M'ijikk. We found you on board their ship." 
"You took us from our companions and examined us against our wills!" she shouted, dropping what she 


was doing to start to her feet. 


"Enough, Zashou!" ordered Kaid, striding into the center 
of the room. "Get back to work! We're not 
discussing this now!" He looked over to Sheeowl and the gold Prime. 
"Get him out of that armor and on his feet, conscious or not. I want us out of here as soon as possible. 


And put his gold tabard back on him so they know who we have. You," he said, turning back to the 
Seniormost, "Tell your people that you are our hostages and we want safe passage down to the flight 
deck and onto our ship. Jo, over here and make sure he tells them what I said." 


"I need my helmet for that," the Valtegan said. 
"Give it to him," Kaid ordered Jo. 
"Kaid, this Prime's got an implant on his head," said Mrowbay from where he knelt by the prone guard. 


"Just like Giyesh said." 
"This one's also got an implant," said Jeran, tossing the helmet to the floor. 
"Tell the guards to obey us, then send the message," said Kaid. 
They waited while the Seniormost spoke to the guards, then to his commanders. Listening to the guttural 



speech, Kaid was acutely aware of Carrie's distress at being in their presence again. 
You're doing fine, he sent to her. They can't touch you, remember that. 
The gold Prime was being held in a sitting position, being stripped of his armor. He'd come round but 


was looking decidedly groggy. 
"He's different," said Carrie, watching him. "They all are. Not the same as those on Keiss, For a start, 


three of them have crests. And the Seniormost, he's smaller, with rainbow colors round the eyes. Same 
with the gold. I've never seen one that pale yellowish color before." 
"Later, Carrie," said Kaid, looking round at the other two Primes. "Get something to tie their wrists with, 


please. Get that armor off fast, people! I want to get out of here today! Those with rifles, they're trank 


darts. Use them only on unarmored targets. I reckon we'll see a lot more of them outside this area." 
"You will have your safe conduct," said the gray Prime as the helmet was taken away from him. "You had 
it anyway, 
I told you. But you must…" 


"We must nothing!" said Kaid harshly. "You're the prisoners 
now, remember that! Strip him quickly," 


Kaid said to Manesh and Nayash. "Don't bother with fastenings, cut through them if you can." 
"We could use the armor," said Jeran, hefting a breastplate 
up and examining it. "We're about the same 
size." 


"Tie him up," said Carrie, handing him one of the strips she was ripping off a sheet. 
"Legs are different," said Rezac from the door. "Theirs' are like the Humans. Suits won't fit us." 
"Done," said Sheeowl, tossing aside the last piece of the gold's armor. 
"Me, too," said Mrowbay, dragging his captive closer to the door. 
"Almost there," said Manesh, hauling the final leg protector 
off as Taynar bound the gray Seniormost. 


"Ready!" 


"Let's get going," said Kaid, heading for the door. "T'Chebbi, you at the rear with one guard, the gold in 
the middle with the civilians and the Cabbarans. Get the other two at the front near Rezac." 
They began to assemble in the corridor, Rezac to the front, Tirak to the rear, until they were in position. 
Kaid picked up a helmet, handing to Jeran. "Hang onto that for as long as is practical, in case we need 


it," he said before going to the front with Tirak. 
"There's no damper out here," said Carrie. "I can sense the way ahead of us." 
"Do it. You, too, Rezac. Zashou and Jo, check our rear," he said, leading them up the corridor to the 


junction on their right. A short distance, then they were heading down the corridor to the elevator. It was 


deserted, like a ghost ship. 
"I reckon this gold Prime is important," said Tirak quietly 
as they waited for the elevator to come up. 
"It's as quiet as the grave here. Too quiet." 


Kaid merely grunted, watching to make sure the elevator was empty as it came into view. 
"How many do you want on?" asked Tirak. 



"All of us. It's large enough," replied Kaid, gesturing to the others to leave their cover in the corridor. 


"Check out the fight deck, Carrie, Rezac." 
"Done, said Carrie. "Two groups of ten about two hundred 
yards from here. More, farther in two largish 
groups and a smaller one." 


"Agreed," said Rezac. 


"Yell down the shaft and get them to move," Kaid ordered 
the Seniormost. 


"If you'll listen to me first," the Seniormost began. 


"No deals," interrupted Kaid. "Just do it." 


"We want a treaty with you," said the Seniormost, speaking 
in a rush. "You were to be released. Your 


ship is ready. All you have to do is…" 
Kaid pushed him toward the elevator cage. "Enough! Tell them to move!" 
The Valtegan shouted down in his own language. Beside him, Jo translated. 
This is so strange, sent Carrie. / sense none of the usual fear or aggression from any of our 


prisoners. The gold and the Seniormost are terrified of us, the guards are just waiting for new 

commands. 
That's not a male, sent Rezac, staring the gray Prime full in the face. That's a female! The Gods know 
what she's doing here, but it's a female. 


Focus on what we're doing, Kaid reminded them. 
"She says it's clear," said Jo. 
"They've backed off," agreed Rezac. 
"Keep alert, people," said Kaid as they filed on and he pressed the control. 
Whining and creaking under the weight, the elevator began to descend. T'Chebbi and Tirak crouched 


down so they could see the flight deck as soon as the cage cleared their floor. Kaid kept his hand poised 


over the stop button. 


"They're clear," said T'Chebbi, standing up. 
With a jolt, they came to rest. A hundred yards away, the Profit stood facing the bay doors, engines 
already running. 


"As I said, your craft is waiting for you," said the gray Prime. "Proof of our good intentions." 


"Cool heads, people. We take our time," said Kaid, opening the gate. "Same order as before. If you 
have to fire, make every shot count." 
Those with the guns joined Kaid, forming a shield in front of the others and their captives as they filed out 


onto the flight deck. While he waited, he looked around, gauging their surroundings and assessing the 
numbers of Valte-gans present. 
Behind them and to their right—some hundred and fifty yards away—were maintenance areas with 



twenty or so mechanics. 
Two large vehicles berthed there were obviously being worked on. Beyond 


them, half a dozen fatigue-clad soldiers stood beside another cage elevator. 
On their left, barely ten yards from them, was the M'ijikk with two shuttle craft berthed beyond her. 
From that direction 
he caught the whiff of volatile lubricants. Though he couldn't see anyone from this 
position, there was plenty of opportunity for soldiers to hide between the vehicles. Level with the Profit, 
near the starboard bulkhead, were another two large craft and some thirty people. 


"Remind them we have safe passage," said Kaid to the Seniormost. "Tell them if they shoot at us, we'll 
shoot you." 
She yelled the message out, her voice echoing strangely as it bounced off the walls and high ceiling. 


"Those with guns, fan out, cover us on all sides," said Kaid. 
Slowly, very slowly, they made their way across the open hangar deck toward the Profit. Round the 
edges, the groups of Valtegans stood in tight knots, keeping very still. Here and there they spotted the 
odd armored guard. 


"Don't like this. Still too easy," muttered T'Chebbi, maintaining her grip on the pistol she carried. 


"They're scared, T'Chebbi, terrified of anything happening 
to the hostages," said Carrie from behind her. 
"Particularly 
the gold one. Many of them are terrified even to be seeing him." 
"He's the Enlightened One I heard them speaking about," said Giyesh suddenly. 
"Later," snapped Kaid, constantly scanning with mind and eyes. "Keep focused." 
With only a few yards to go, Kaid caught the sudden movement by the leg of the M'ijikk out of the 


corner of his eye. A cry of pain, quickly stifled, came from the rear of his group before he could get his 


shot off. The armored marksman fell without a sound. 
Kaid grasped the Prime guard from Giyesh. "Keep moving," 
he said tersely to her as he put the gun to 
the side of the Valtegan's head. 


The Valtegan began to struggle, letting out a shriek of terror as Kaid pulled the trigger. The cry was cut 
short as his body began to sag. Kaid flung him aside and reached for the gray Seniormost. 
"That's one gone!" yelled Kaid, pulling her in front of him. 


A scuffle from the rear of the group, then the second guard made a break for freedom. 
Kaid was about to fire on the fleeing Valtegan as a shot rang out, hitting the guard square in the upper 
back, felling him instantly. 


Got him, sent Rezac. 


Good shot. "She's next!" Kaid yelled, putting the gun to her head as he kept moving slowly toward the 
Profit. "Tell them that," he snarled in her ear. "You're next, then the gold one." 
Green skin almost white with terror, the Seniormost shrieked out the warning as, stumbling, she was 


dragged closer and closer to the Profit. 
They were in the lee of their ship now, protected from the Primes behind them. 



"Take it easy. We're not out of here yet," Kaid warned them as Giyesh began to move a little faster. 
At last he felt the Profit's ramp under his feet. Dragging his captive with him, he backed up a few feet 

"Take it easy. We're not out of here yet," Kaid warned them as Giyesh began to move a little faster. 
At last he felt the Profit's ramp under his feet. Dragging his captive with him, he backed up a few feet 

. As soon as he saw her, he knew T'Chebbi had been hit. 
She's fine, sent Carrie. Flesh wound, upper arm. 
Before his eyes, an old vision briefly exploded, showing him T'Chebbi, her upper arm wrapped in a 


blood-soaked bandage. It hadn't happened on Jalna, but it had happened. 
"All on board," reported Rezac. "Our turn." 
"We want a treaty with you," said the Seniormost urgently 
as Kaid hauled her up the ramp with him. 


"We must talk of this now!" 
I'm picking up someone out there, sent Carrie as she ducked inside the Profit's cargo bay. If we don't 


agree, they plan to wait until we've left, then put that beam on us to bring us back unconscious. 
They'll keep several of us as hostages and release the others with the offer of a treaty. 
"Why?" demanded Kaid, tightening his grip on the Se-niormost's arm. "Against whom?" 
"The Valtegans from the M'ijikk and others. We're threatened by them. We need allies who can fight for 


us." 


"Your people couldn't even keep the safe passage agreement! Do you really expect us to want an 
alliance with you?" Kaid stopped at the edge of the Profit's cargo bay, standing behind the Seniormost. 
"He was a bodyguard and unstable! We're not responsible 
for them! We treated you well! We 


examined you only to find out how much you'd changed since the fall of our Empire." 
"What's your world called?" demanded Rezac, rejoining Kaid. 
"K'oish'ik." 
He let out a hiss. "The world we were on. The Emperor's 
world." 
"We have no warriors now. Those from M'zull and J'kir-.tikk will find us soon. They have an ancient 


prototype weapon of ours. It's the one they used to destroy your two worlds. It must be retrieved and 


destroyed. You're as much at risk from them as we are. They hate you more," she added. 
There was truth in that. But an alliance with less hostile Valtegans to fight a war not of their making? 
Vartra's words about a pact with the Liege of Hell came back to him. Shola had to be warned. 


"We'll take this Enlightened One of yours back with us to plead your cause. He does talk, doesn't he?" 
"Take me," she said anxiously. "I can put our case better." 
"I will go," said the gold-robed Prime from where he stood with Jeran and Jo inside the cargo bay. "I 


came to present our arguments to you in the first place. I had documents…" 
"Don't need documents," interrupted Kaid. "Tell your people we've listened to you and that the gold one 



can put your case to our leaders. Tell them not to bother using that beam weapon of yours on us again. If 
you do, he dies." 


"How will we know your decision?" 
"Stay here. We'll send a message," he said, pushing her down the ramp and ducking out of sight inside as 
Carrie shut the bay door. He hit the communicator control set into the bulkhead. "Tirak, Kaid here. On 
our way up. Get us out of here immediately." 


"Taking off in two minutes," came the captain's reply. "To the bridge, on the double." 
They raced across the Profit's hold toward the elevator, feeling the ship begin to vibrate as the sound of 


the engines changed. They made it, but only just. T'Chebbi was sitting at the nav console, arm being 
dressed by Mrowbay as she worked. 
Tirak turned his chair to look at them as they entered. "Take him to the mess and watch him," he 


ordered, pointing 
to their hostage. "Need you to tell us where we're heading," 
he said to Kaid. 
"T'Chebbi, you coping?" Kaid asked. 
"Almost done." He could hear the pain in her voice, see it in the set of her ears and the way she held her 


head. 


Mrowbay looked up at him as he fastened off the bandage. 
"I want her in sick bay the moment she's 
through. This is only temporary." 
"She will be," Kaid promised, flicking the safety on the pistol before sticking it in his belt. 
"I'll go with her," Carrie said to Kaid. 
"How fast you want to be there?" asked Annuur's voice through the comm. 
Tirak raised an eyebrow at him. "I'd say as soon as possible." 
"Shortest possible time," agreed Kaid. 
"Can do five days," said Annuur. "But risky. Margin for error much less. Leave us exhausted. Ship need 


overhaul." 


"Do it," said Kaid. "I want as much distance between us and them as possible. I've got to get a message 
out to Haven and our ship at Jama immediately. It's ready encoded 
in with the nav data." 
"Route it to Giyesh's board," said Tirak. "She'll send it." 
"Done," sighed T'Chebbi, falling back in her seat. "Nav comp back on-line for Haven." 
"Dorsal turret on-line," reported Sheeowl. "Ventral turret 
on-line. Batteries armed and ready. Waiting 


instructions, 
Captain." 


"Five days it is, Annuur," said Tirak, turning back to his console. "Start powering the jump drives, 
Sheeowl. Sit in on nav, Kaid. Nayash will help you if you need it. Where we heading for?" 
Kaid moved to the front to take Sayuk's vacant seat. "A Brotherhood outpost called Haven," he said. 


"It's in the outer reaches of the Chemerian sector." 



"The Primes haven't opened the landing bay doors, Captain," 
said Nayash. "Switching to forward view." 
"I figured there might be a delay," Tirak said as the screen changed to show the roof of the hangar. 


"Nayash, I'll take her out. Ventral turret, fire rearward on my command. 
Dorsal, fire at will: aim for the 
bay doors. I want a hole big enough to get out through." 
"Understood." Manesh's voice sounded remote through the ship's speaker. 
The engine noise increased until Kaid felt the Profit start to lift. He began to smile. "We're going to leave 


here like a cork out of a bottle," he said. 


"That's the idea," agreed Tirak. "And do some serious damage in the process. Brace yourselves. Ventral 
turret, fire!" 
The kickback from the missiles hurled the Profit toward the closed bay doors as simultaneously, 


blossoms of red began to mushroom across them filling the interior with smoke. Then the vacuum outside 
started sucking at them, pulling everything inside the hangar toward the hole Ma-nesh was still blasting in 
the hull. 


"I can't see for the smoke," said Giyesh, a tremor in her voice as they hurtled toward the center of the 


vortex they'd created. 
"Don't need to," said Sheeowl calmly as the ship was buffeted from side to side. "We'll be pulled through 
the hole whatever we do." 


Suddenly the buffeting stopped and they were floating free in the blackness of space. 


"By Kathan, that looks good to me," said Tirak with feeling as he switched his controls to the pilot. "Full 
speed, Nayash. I want to jump as soon as we can. Rear view, Mrowbay." 
"Aye, Captain," Nayash said, turning his head briefly to grin at everyone. 
This was their first view of the Primes' ship. It was large, very large; a flattened diamond shape, with a 


gaping hole in the hull near the nose, around which floated a large mass of assorted debris and dead 
bodies. 
"They won't be trying to take us back on board in a hurry," observed Tirak. "Or follow us." 


"They don't appear to be powering up their weapons, Captain," said Mrowbay. 
Kaid began punching details into the nav comp as Sheeowl continued to run the pre-jump checks with 
Nayash. 


"Ready to jump, Captain," he said a few minutes later. 
"Engage jump," said Tirak. 


* * * 

"You read the messages?" asked Rhyaz. 
"Yes. Thank Vartra they escaped!" 
"My feelings entirely. The first arrived this morning, the second several hours later. Our Brothers have 


been mobilized 
and are on their way to Haven. I've put Kheal in command of the forces gathered there. 



L'Seuli is taking charge of our negotiators' escort, and I'm remaining at Stronghold to coordinate. General 
Raiban is already complaining 
at the lack of our personnel, and the fact that we took her ships and left 
her crews." He opened his mouth in a wide grin. "She won't be bothering us, though. The arrival of the 
messages has given her more than enough to do. Maybe next time they'll listen to us. Couldn't get in 
touch with you sooner, I've been up to my ears in complaints 
and protocol, among other things." 

L'Seuli is taking charge of our negotiators' escort, and I'm remaining at Stronghold to coordinate. General 
Raiban is already complaining 
at the lack of our personnel, and the fact that we took her ships and left 
her crews." He opened his mouth in a wide grin. "She won't be bothering us, though. The arrival of the 
messages has given her more than enough to do. Maybe next time they'll listen to us. Couldn't get in 
touch with you sooner, I've been up to my ears in complaints 
and protocol, among other things." 

"Yes, and sending an Alliance presence to Jalna. The Chemerians are screaming that they're most at risk, 
as usual, and as usual no one's taking the slightest notice of them. The M'Zekko is still there, after all. One 
surprise. Kishasayzar, captain of the Hkariyash, which is still berthed on Jalna, requested coordinates for 
Haven. Says he wants to help his Sholan and Human friends. Not like the Sumaan to desert their 
Chemerian merchants." 

"Most unusual. What did you do?" 

"Gave him coordinates to meet up with an escort ship to take him there. Worth keeping an eye on that 
captain. He's not far from completing his indenture to the Chemeri-ans. If it's not too much, we might be 
able to buy him out. Wouldn't 4o any harm to have an independent Sumaan ship and crew as our own 
allies." 

Lijou flicked his ears in agreement. "A useful, if unexpected, 
ally. When do you expect the Profit to 
arrive? Is this Prime ship likely to be following them?" 

"Message said five days. I'd believe them, they've got Cabbaran navigators. And, yes, I'd be surprised if 
the Prime ship wasn't following them." 

"Warn our people to be careful, Rhyaz. Remember Brynne's vision of conflict. No news of Kusac yet?" 

"At best, he's dead. At worst, he's still on the Prime ship," said Rhyaz, ears dipping in regret. "Kaid does 
have a bargaining point, though. A Valtegan, an officer or something. 
If Kusac's still alive, then perhaps 
an exchange can be arranged. As you saw, the second message was brief. We'll have to wait till they 
reach Haven for a full debriefing. 
Meanwhile, we prepare for the worst." 

"I take it you've contacted the Chief Instructor." 

"Yes, I have. I've apprised him of how many we need to crew our vessels. I need you to confirm the 
request. Do it when I sign off. This line is secure." 

Lijou nodded. "How many are you requesting?" 

"We need to more than double our current number, that's all you need to know." 

"Do you need me to return?" 

"No, stay where you are for now. Brynne might come up with something new. Don't say anything to Clan 
Lord Konis till we've spoken to Kaid personally. The Leska tele-paths arrived an hour ago. All sworn in 
and signed up to the Brotherhood now. Pleasant couple. They're in touch with Haven on the comm link. 
Seems they can sense Vriuzu and Jiosha while they're using it. Useful." 

"Very," agreed Lijou. "While I'm here, do you want me to recruit the gene-altered telepaths on the 
estate? They're all En'Shallans and so are ours by right." 

Rhyaz hesitated. "Do it," he said. "Vartra forbid we need to call them up because of their telepathic 


Talents, but we can if they're Brothers." 

Talents, but we can if they're Brothers." 

"We've found nothing either. Raiban finally gave up on the spaceport idea, though we still have a small 
presence there, and I've had to reassign those at Chezy. I'm afraid we've got larger problems right now. 
If the estate's secure, Lijou, that's the best we can hope for. I have to go. Rai-ban's baying for me again 
on another line. I'll be in touch." 

"I may move up to the main house when we have concrete 
news on Kusac." 

"Very well." 

Lijou sat looking at the blank comm for a few minutes before mentally shaking himself and getting up. It 
wasn't fair to keep Ghyan out of his office for much longer. Kusac dead but Carrie still alive? He knew 
that the three of them had shared a full Link. The Gods knew they were all Level One telepaths, but had 
Kaid been able to step in as her Leska? It had happened with Josh and Mara. He sighed. Things were 
changing fast these days. It would be a tragedy to lose Kusac, but at least there were still two of them 
alive. 

He realized he hadn't told Rhyaz that Brynne could see distant places. It could wait now until he'd gotten 
him to try his skill out properly. Maybe he could reach Haven. Was there anyone there he knew? Not 
yet, but he could request an image of the station interior, perhaps the area where Vriuzu worked. Maybe 
just seeing and talking to Vriuzu on the comm link would be enough. It would be a good test for him. 

On his way out, he thanked Ghyan, and with a heavy heart, headed back to Vanna's and Garras' home. 

* * * 

It was some time later before Kaid was able to go to sick bay to check on T'Chebbi for himself. 
Mrowbay had already 
been in to find Carrie had redone his quick dressing from their own medikit and 
had given her the appropriate shots. 

T'Chebbi, however, refused to lie down and rest, and had remained sitting on the bed with Carrie beside 
her. 
"I'm fine," she said testily as Kaid came over to her. 
"Only a scratch. Bloody fuss over nothing. Will heal in a few days." 
Carrie got up. "I'll catch you later in the mess," she said to Kaid. 
"No need for you to go," said T'Chebbi. 


"I'll see you later, too," she said, firmly, leaning forward to brush her cheek against T'Chebbi's. 
Kaid sent her a grateful thought as she left. He took her place. "I was concerned for you," he said 
awkwardly. "I had to see to locking our guest safely away from Rezac before I could come." 


"Wise." 
Tentatively, he put an arm around her shoulder, urging her closer till she leaned against him. 



She scowled up at him. "You're going soft," she muttered. 
"You treat all your operatives like this?" 

She scowled up at him. "You're going soft," she muttered. 
"You treat all your operatives like this?" 

She sighed, but it was with contentment at being asked, and for this time alone with him. "No, you need 
your privacy 
with Carrie. I'll be fine here." 

"You'd not be intruding," he said. 

"Not for you, but she's not used to our ways, only what telepaths do. She's not at ease yet with your new 
relationship, 
and if she isn't still having nightmares of J'koshuk, I'd be surprised." Her voice was getting 
drowsier. "Dammit, 
she gave me too strong a dose," she muttered, trying to sit up, but Kaid prevented 
her. 

"You need me, too," he said, scooping her carefully into his arms and standing up. "No need for you to 
give up your bed. Carrie agrees with me." Not strictly true, she did, but she had a few concerns about 
their lack of privacy, despite the movable partitions between the beds. 

Standing up, he carried her to the room opposite that they'd shared with Jeran and Tesha. "Only Jeran 
here now, and I reckon he'll be trying to arrange something with Giyesh." 

"Kaid, these new Valtegans, the Primes. They're not so strong out of their armor. Or as violent. Very 
different from what you said Kezule was like." 

"You're right," he said thoughtfully as he pulled back the blankets on her bed and sat her down. "I'd 
noticed it, even told J'koshuk he was different, but I couldn't put my finger on it till now." 

He watched her fumbling with her belt and gave her a hand to strip, then covered her up. "You sleep," he 
said. "I'll wake you at mealtime." He reached inside the covers and pulled her long plait free. He knew 
she hated getting caught up when she lay on it. 

"Got no option thanks to Carrie," she grumbled, turning on her side. 

"She gave you the right dose," he said, leaning down to run his tongue across her cheek. 

* * * 

Day 37 

Tirak's off-duty crew had been conducting a minute search of the ship for any sabotage or tracking 
devices but had turned up nothing. 

"They even put the cryo unit back," said Mrowbay, helping 
himself to a drink at the galley. "And 
patched the hull breach in the workshop. Nothing special, just a good, temporary 
repair." 

"Well, they had us long enough," said Giyesh. "Manesh wants us to move our stuff. He and you, Sayuk, 
are on the passenger deck opposite the hostage. Rezac, would you and Jo, Zashou, too, if she doesn't 
mind, move down to the cabin next to them." She looked over to Carrie. "You know where you and 
Kaid are." 

"Where are you? And Jeran, I presume," asked Sayuk. 

"Where Rezac was, with Sheeowl and Nayash." 


"Cozy," said Mrowbay, checking out the cupboards above the sink for nibbles. "And what does the 
captain think of that arrangement?" 

"Cozy," said Mrowbay, checking out the cupboards above the sink for nibbles. "And what does the 
captain think of that arrangement?" 

They disappeared, leaving Carrie with Kate and Taynar until Kaid joined them. He looked around the 
deserted mess. 

"Where's everyone?" he asked, nodding to Kate and Taynar as he went to help himself from the drinks 
unit. 

"Changing cabins," said Carrie, taking another mouthful from her mug. 

"Any idea what our guest would drink?" he asked as he waited for his beverage. "I'm going down to 
question him now. Coming?" 

"Why take him a drink?" 

"Because so far he's been cooperative. It's worthwhile fostering that attitude. I suppose water's as good 
as anything 
till we know." 

"There's a galley on the passenger deck," offered Kate. "You can get him what he likes from there." 

Taynar began to grin. "There's an entertainment console in the lounge down there! I'd forgotten about 
that! Coming, Kate?" he asked, getting to his feet. 

The two younglings disappeared, leaving them alone. Kaid joined her at the table. "Didn't get the chance 
to tell you earlier that you did a good job back there in the hangar when you took over from T'Chebbi." 

"I only did what I was trained for." 

He reached across the table, stroking her cheek with the back of his hand. "Then you learned it well." He 
let his hand drop to the table beside hers, turning it palm side up as she took hold of his. "Is it always like 
this?" he asked, voice low. "When you're with me I want to touch you. It's like a physical need, almost a 
pain, if I can't." 

"In the beginning," she said, feeling a bittersweet love for him flow through her. She slipped her fingers 
between his, lacing them with his as he responded. "You get used to it eventually." She could feel his 
heartbeat increase as she saw his eyes begin to glow. "It's strong now because tomorrow's our Link 
day." 

"I will never get used to it," he said, voice roughened with intensity. He took his hand away reluctantly. 
"Let's go before I get too distracted." Finishing his drink, he got to his feet. 

* * * 

As they went past the passenger lounge, they could hear Kate and Taynar playing on the entertainment 
console. 

"That's all those younglings should have to worry about," said Kaid. "Instead of which, they've suddenly 
been thrust into an adult world." 


"They seem remarkably untouched by it," said Carrie. 
"The damage is there, just pushed deep down for now. It'll surface in time." 
They could see Manesh sitting on a chair outside the cabin door, one of the Prime trank rifles held across 


her knees. 
"You've come to interrogate him," she said. "Captain said you'd be along." 
"I want to take him to the galley," said Kaid. "We need you as the guard." 
"You still armed?" Manesh asked. 
Carrie nodded, patting the pistol she wore in the belt of her one-piece fatigues. 
"If he makes a break for it, and I can't get him with the trank, hit him somewhere non-lethal. I'm not 


having him loose on my ship," said Manesh, getting up. 
Aware of Carrie's hesitation, he grasped her shoulder briefly. You can cope. He isn't like J'koshuk. 
I know. It's their scent, it reminds me of… 
J'koshuk's was that of a rutting male. His mental tone was harsh. This one's will be fear. Break that 


association, conquer the fear now, or it conquers you. 
She nodded as Manesh unlocked the door. 
Their hostage was still sitting where Kaid had left him. His gold tabard lay discarded on the bed beside 


him. He looked up as the door opened. 


"You hungry? Want a drink?" asked Kaid, standing in the doorway. He beckoned to him. "Come on. 
Let's go get something. What's your name?" 
Surprised, the Valtegan got to his feet and slowly approached 
the door. "Zsurtul." 
Kaid stood back, motioning him out. A few steps more and he saw Manesh standing with the rifle. He 


froze, looking 
from her to Kaid. 


"A precaution," said Kaid. "No tricks, I assure you." He's only a youngling, Carrie! 


I know. He can't be an officer, surely? 

Hesitantly, Zsurtul stepped into the corridor. Kaid took him by the arm, drawing him past the storeroom 
to his right and right again into the main corridor. 

"The food you served us, is it what you eat?" asked Kaid, "or do you prefer your meat raw?" 
"Cooked. We have always eaten it cooked." His voice was light, the Sholan well spoken, as if it had 
been studied, with very little of the sibilance Carrie was used to hearing from Valtegans. 

"The ones on Keiss ate their food raw," she said. 

He looked sideways at her. "You met only the warrior caste, and from a different world." 

They'd reached the galley. Kaid took him over to the food dispenser. As he turned to ask Manesh to 

translate the U'Churian script, Zsurtful pointed to an item, naming it in equally flawless U'Churian. 


"You speak and read U'Churian, too," said Kaid in surprise. 
"How many more languages do you 


know?" 
"A few more," he admitted, letting Kaid select the meal for him. "When you have dealings with a species, 
it makes sense to communicate with them in their own language if at all possible." 


"You're the Valtegans that visit Jalna," said Carrie. "The science ship, was that the one we were on?" 


"The Kz'adul hasn't called at Jalna, but her sister ship has," he said, picking up his plate of food. "I'd like 
a dish of maush to drink, if I may," he added, moving toward the long dining table. 
Manesh got him the drink, keeping her eyes and gun trained on him all the while. Then, snagging a chair, 


she took up a post by the door. 
We need Rezac, sent Carrie. This Valtegan is so unlike any I've known. 
Ask him to join us. "Which world are you from?" asked Kaid. 
"K'oish'ik. Ours was the world at the heart of the old Empire," he said, accepting the cutlery from Kaid. 


"We had four worlds of our own then. Those who destroyed your colonies and ruled Keiss are from 
M'zull. They are at war with another world called J'kirtikk. It's a war for dominance. That, after all, is 
what warriors want." He began cutting up the meat and eating it with obvious pleasure. 

Can you read him? asked Kaid. 
Yes, if I force the contact. The barrier natural to his kind is stronger in him. But then, everything 
about him is different. 


Rezac came in and helped himself to a drink, sitting halfway 
down the table on the opposite side from 
Zsurtul. / can read him. 
Not yet, Rezac—if at all, sent Kaid. "So. You're not warriors. 
What are you then?" he asked. 


"Intellectuals and scientists. A curious people interested in learning about others." 
"That's why you kept us prisoner and kidnapped us from our rooms to do experiments on," said Rezac, 
an angry rumble in his voice. 


Startled, Zsurtul looked over at him, fork poised halfway between plate and mouth. 
Go easy, Rezac, warned Kaid. He's being cooperative. 
Too damned cooperative if you ask me! was the acerbic reply. 
"We found you on the M'zullian vessel, I told you this. We studied you only to see how you'd changed in 


a millennium 
and a half, nothing more." 
"You remember us from back then?" asked Carrie. 
Zsurtul's eye ridges creased in confusion. "Not you, the Sholans." 
"Genetic memory?" asked Kaid. 
"And data banks," said Zsurtul. "The City of Light withstood 
the Empire's collapse, though those outside 


didn't fare well. We were self-sufficient and lost nothing during the years of the Fall. Ask him. He lived 



then." 


"How do you know about me?" Rezac demanded. "Did you get the information from me under drugs 
when you took me from my companions?" 
"You are named on our database. We were sent to Jama because our previous ship received an ancient 


transmission from the planet as it left. It hadn't the authority to investigate, 
but we have." 
Carrie frowned. "What signal?" 
"The stasis cube," said Kaid. "When Jo and Kris opened it." 
"Just so. It was an experimental device which you and your Leska partner entered accidentally in your 


attempt to outrun the guards. It's thought M'zullian warriors must have taken it from the lab in the 


confusion." 
"They worshipped it as a holy object," murmured Carrie, as shocked as the others by the depth of the 
Prime's knowledge. 


"They probably used it as a deterrent at first," said Zsur-tul. "After all, it contained the ultimate weapon 
against their enemies. Two Sholan telepaths. It would have given those who possessed it enormous 
power over the others on their world." 


"And as time passed, they forgot what was inside it and why they had to be afraid of it," said Kaid. "It 


would become 
revered for itself—a holy object." 
"As you say," agreed Zsurtul. He picked up the mug and attempted to drink from it but it was too narrow 
for his wide, almost beaked mouth. He put it down. "Do you have a wider container?" he asked 
hopefully. 


Carrie got up to look in the galley cupboards under the sink. "The cups on the Prime ship," she said, 
turning round with a small bowl in her hand. "I saw them, I should have guessed!" 
"You eat cooked food," said Rezac, suddenly noticing the remains of the meal. 
"Our caste always have," said Zsurtul, accepting the bowl and pouring his herbal drink into it. 


"But the raw meat!" 
"Do you not feed your warriors on raw meat to make them fiercer?" he asked, then his mouth formed a 
lopsided smile. "I forget. You have telepaths. They are more formidable 
than warriors." 


"I don't believe you," said Rezac. "I saw them eating raw meat at the city palace!" 
"You saw only what it was intended you see. Don't you remember some took the meat from a central 


dish, while others were served plates already covered in the sauce of the laalquoi plant? They had the 
cooked meat." 
Rezac growled low in his throat, dissatisfied. "That's so," he admitted. 
"The laalquoi plant on Jalna. What happened?" asked Kaid. 
"We over-farmed that world about a hundred years be-fore the Fall. The plant interacted with a native 


mold and it mutated into a form that turned our people as well as theirs violent beyond reasoning. We 
had to pull out. There was nothing we could do to help the Jalnians until recently." 


"Oh, yes. And what did you do for them, apart from call in every fifty years to take samples?" demanded 
Rezac. 

"Oh, yes. And what did you do for them, apart from call in every fifty years to take samples?" demanded 
Rezac. 
" 
"It was necessary to our diet. It had a calmative effect on those bearing the warrior blood. Worlds where 
the soil was right to farm it were rare." 


"You just ate U'Churian vegetables," Carrie pointed out. 


"After the Fall, there were few of us left in the City of Light. We had to employ our sciences to help us 
survive. We needed as large a gene pool as we could get, needed to eat what was available." 
"The females. You socialized the females," said Carrie. 
"Among other things." 
"How?" asked Kaid. "I saw them. They were feral." 
Zsurtul looked curiously at him. "So were you when deprived 
of your pregnant mate. Put yourself in a 


female's place. Stop giving her the laalquoi, give her no say in her life, and keep her in a breeding room 
with others like her. Then take her eggs away when they're due to hatch, knowing 
that her ravenous 
young will try to devour each other without her presence. See then how feral you would become." 


"They did that to them?" asked Carrie, horrified. "You mean they were sentient all along? Gods, but your 
ancestors 
were barbaric!" 
"What caste are you?" asked Rezac very quietly. 


Zsurtul looked at him. "An Intellectual," he murmured 
"You're lying. It's been bothering me since I first saw you, but I finally remembered what it was. Your 
color. You're not a breeding male, you're a drone, aren't you?" 


"I'm not a drone, though there are drones in my ancestry," 
he admitted. 
"Drones?" asked Carrie. 
"Infertile females, almost asexual," said Rezac. "Used as servants and for sex because access to females 


was restricted. 
Jo says there were three on M'ezozakk's ship. 
They were moved out of the room he put her in on the M'ijikk." 
"I'm not a drone," said Zsurtul, his voice becoming lower as his sand-colored skin flushed a deeper 


shade. 


Rezac got up and began to slowly stalk round the table to him. "There's a way to find out," he said. 
"Because if he's lying about this, then all the rest could be lies, too." 
"Rezac!" warned Kaid, getting rapidly to his feet. 
Rezac looked at him. Trust me. 
Kaid watched as he slowly resumed his seat. Since Rezac had learned about their family relationship, the 


competitiveness 
and belligerence that had existed between them seemed to have disappeared. 



Rezac stopped beside Zsurtul and reaching down, grabbed him by the front of his clothing, pulling him to 
his feet. 
Zsurtul began talking rapidly in Valtegan, trying to dislodge 
his hands. 


What's he saying? demanded Kaid. Can you read him? 
Carrie was noticing for the first time how short Zsurtul's claws were, and that they were carved in 
intricate patterns. They were not the claws of anyone who might need to use them to defend himself—or 
was it herself?" 


What's he saying? repeated Kaid. 
He's babbling about being the Enlightened One, that this is an assault against his person. 


Rezac transferred his grip to the neck of Zsurtul's garment, 
and fending off his scrabbling hands, ripped it 
open to mid-chest level. Then he froze. As he did, Zsurtul became 
still, his flushed skin paling to an 
almost deathly white. 

What is it? asked Kaid anxiously. 

His mind has gone still, I can't sense anything! replied Carrie. 

"You're not going to believe who we're got here," Rezac said very quietly. He spun Zsurtul around, 
holding the garment 
open so they could see the markings on his chest. Tattooed there was a symbol 
Kaid had seen before. 

"You're looking at the Prime Emperor's son and heir. The Enlightened One." 

About three inches across, executed in iridescent colors, was an open ovoid shape resembling an egg, 
with flames coming from between the two halves. 

"When he's Emperor, they'll add the symbols for his name underneath," said Rezac. "Zashou saw 
Q'emgo'h's when he tried to rape her." He released Zsurtul. 

Carrie was no less stunned than anyone else present. "They'll follow us," she said. "As soon as they can. 
The Primes won't let us get away with their crown prince." 

"I figured on that happening anyway," said Kaid, going over to Zsurtul and pulling his clothing shut again. 
"My apologies," he said. "We had to know. You understand that, I'm sure." 

Zsurtul was shaking with fear and shock. He tried to move but was unable to do so. Kaid helped him 
return to his seat then turned to Rezac, putting his hand on his shoulder 
reassuringly. You did well. Was 
that what you were looking for? 

Not exactly. Breeding males have a tattoo on their chest. A small sigil showing they're allowed 
access to the females, he replied as he went back to his seat. 

"I said I was not a drone," Zsurtul said through clenched teeth. 

"So you used drones in your gene pool," said Kaid. "How, if they're asexual?" 

"Drones were inferior females' eggs kept too cool to hatch as fertile offspring. Many of the eggs that 
hatched at the time of the Fall were infertile—males and females both. We were forced to utilize all the 
offspring that were born to be able to survive." Still in shock, his voice was low and remote. 


Carrie got up and took his bowl to the dispenser to fetch him another drink. He clutched it gratefully in 


both hands, warming himself against it. 
"And you have no warrior caste, only those who volunteer 
to be implanted with a device that does 
what?" 


"I'm told it can be adjusted to control their moods by shifting their hormone levels. It makes them quick 
to respond 
in a more aggressive way than we can." 


"M'ezozakk's crew. What did you do with them?" asked Kaid. 
"Implanted them so they would be less violent. We need their genetic material to breed our own warriors. 
Not like them, though, we're adjusting their genetic memories so their hatred of the Sholans is removed. 
We only want to be able to defend ourselves effectively against the M'zulli-ans and the J'kirtikkans." 


"Two of your four worlds are locked in battle against each other, then there's you. What about the 
fourth?" 


"It is harmless. They reverted to a level similar to that of the Jalnians. They are no danger to anyone." 
"What's their setup?" asked Carrie. "Do they treat females 
as equals or shut them in breeding 
chambers?" 


Zsurtul roused from his torpor. "Why should you care?" he asked. "Females are equal there. The castes 
are balanced. 
They are peaceful, there is plenty of laalquoi and they prosper. They are best left alone. 
We need your help to retrieve the ancient weapon that destroyed your two colonies, and to deal with the 
M'zullians and the J'kirtikkans 
who otherwise will wipe us out when they find us." 


"Why didn't you tell us all this in the beginning, instead of treating us the way you did?" asked Kaid. "Why 
didn't you just ask us for help?" 
"We did. When we took you telepaths, we asked you then. You refused us." 


"We were never asked anything," said Kaid. 
"It was done when we took you from your quarters. We couldn't let you know we were Valtegans, 
otherwise you would have refused us outright." 


Rezac made a noise of extreme disgust. "We were drugged then. You expect that to make us change our 
minds?" 
"You said you only found my cryo unit. Is that true?" asked Carrie suddenly. 
He looked at her, hesitating, obviously weighing his answer. 
"We found the second unit," he admitted. 


Hope leaped inside her. "And?" 
"He lives. He's on the Kz'adul. But he's changed. You were found first. We operated on you as soon as 
we were able. He had seizures when we woke him. The doctors had to take desperate measures to 
ensure his survival." 


"What measures? What have you done to him?" Her voice caught in her throat. 
"I knew nothing about him until a few days ago," he said. "But I believe they had to permanently suppress 
his telepathic ability with an implant. I know he is your other mate and I wish I could tell you more, but 



I'm not a medic." 

I'm not a medic." 

"We want him back," she said, getting to her feet and leaning toward him. "If we don't get him, then they 
don't get you!" 

Closing her mind to Kaid, she turned and left the mess. Too many emotions were fighting for dominance 
right now, and it could only affect what Kaid was doing, the decisions he had to make. She would have 
to deal with this alone. 

CHAPTER 15 

Commaner Q'ozoi looked up from his comp reader as Doctors 
Chy'qui and Zayshul entered. 

"Chy'qui, what in the name of the God-King were you doing letting Prince Zsurtul conduct an experiment 
with J'koshuk? And why wasn't I informed first?" he demanded angrily. "Seems to me that since you took 
over Med Research, 
there's been a lot going on there that's been purposely 
kept from me." 

"The Enlightened One insisted, Commander," said Chy'qui, 
taking a seat at the conference table 
opposite him. "He led me to believe you were aware of what was happening." 

"Enlightened One be damned! He's still got shell between 
his toes!" 

Zayshul winced at the blasphemy as she sat down beside 
Chy'qui. 

"He isn't old enough to know what he's doing," the commander 
continued. "You should have refused 
him. You know that getting this treaty with the Sholans is our main objective. J'koshuk's gotten the one in 
the IC unit looking like a piece of raw meat! Which one of you authorized letting that damned M'zullian 
priest loose on the Sholan?" 

"The Prince did, Commander," said Chy'qui. "Like yourself, 
I'd no idea J'koshuk was being so violent 
until almost too late. As for Prince Zsurtul, he is the heir to the throne, whether or not he's fully adult. You 
try reasoning with him when he says he'll inform the Emperor that we've been disrespectful of his orders. 
It makes my position as Head of Med Research and one of the God-King's counselors even more 
difficult." 

"He's with us as the Emperor's personal representative." said Q'ozoi, pulling the comp reader in the 
center of the table over. "Not as a research scientist! And as for you, Zayshul, what possessed you to 
take him with you yesterday 
when you went to talk to our guests from the Profit? It's thanks to you he's 
been taken hostage by them!" 

"He said the Emperor wanted him to have experience of the work we were doing with the M'zullians," 
interrupted 
Chy'qui. 

"Commander, it isn't as easy for us to deal with Prince Zsurtul as it is for you," Zayshul said, shooting an 
angry look at Chy'qui. He invariably took every opportunity to remind the commander he was now in 
charge of Med Research. 
"I don't know about his interest in the M'zullians, but he's fascinated with our 
guests. It's difficult to turn him away when he has his own bodyguard. As for yesterday, he joined me at 
the last moment. I didn't take him with me." 

The commander's forehead creased in a frown. "I suppose 
that does make sense. He was the one 


pushing for them to be released yesterday, to the extent of wanting to contact the Emperor if I wouldn't 
authorize it. Does he use his personal guards to threaten you?" 

pushing for them to be released yesterday, to the extent of wanting to contact the Emperor if I wouldn't 
authorize it. Does he use his personal guards to threaten you?" 

"If we get him back, what's left of his damned bodyguard gets shut down till we get home," hissed the 
commander angrily. "That incident in the landing bay nearly cost you and him your lives! Why didn't you 
tell me about this long before now?" 

Chy'qui and Zayshul exchanged glances, for once in accord 
with each other. 

"Point taken," sighed Q'ozoi. "Zayshul, how likely are the Sholans to harm Prince Zsurtul? I know you 
were doing most of the treatment to their injured personnel. After your experiences as their hostage, you 
probably know more about them than anyone on the Kz'adul." 

"It depends on what he does," said Zayshul. "They did kill one of his guards and shoot the other when he 
ran." 

A visible shudder ran through her at the memory of the murder. At that point, she'd been sure she was 
going to be next. "But they didn't harm me when they could easily have done so. And they worked as a 
team, all of them, despite the fact they belong to four different species." 

"Damned overzealous bodyguard! The implant control room should have picked him up and neutralized 
him," said Q'ozoi. "I seem to remember from the reports that the only other time our guests offered 
violence to anyone was to the priest, J'koshuk." 

Zayshul grimaced. "He's an animal. Why do we need the M'zullians' genetic material? The thought of 
hundreds of him running around is awful." 

"Because the alternative is implanting volunteers, you know that," snapped Chy'qui. "We need reliable 
warriors who can breed. Implants become sterile. I disagree with Zayshul's opinion of the Sholans. I've 
viewed the log tapes of the incident in the hangar. There was no need to kill that guard just because he 
ran. They're killers as ferocious as the M'zullians. Look at the behavior of the one who mated with the 
injured female when he was returned to his companions. He ripped the room and its furnishings to 
shreds! He was looking for an opportunity for revenge on us because of what J'koshuk did. And he took 
it the first chance he got. By killing two guards and taking Prince Zsurtul." 

"They don't know who he is," said Zayshul quietly. "They thought he was an officer. I don't think they'll 
harm the prince, Commander, because the one called Kaid saw him when he was brought to the stasis 
room to collect his mate." 

"He'd no business being there," began Chy'qui but the commander waved him to silence. 

"Why did you separate them, Zayshul? What was the point? If she'd been returned with him, then this 
regrettable 
incident couldn't have happened in the first place." 

"I didn't separate them, Commander," said Zayshul. "I wanted her returned but Doctor Chy'qui overruled 
me. Said there were further tests he wanted to do. She was fit enough to be returned in my opinion." 

Q'ozoi turned a questioning look on him. 


"I wanted to be sure she wouldn't go into convulsions like the Sholan male." 

"I wanted to be sure she wouldn't go into convulsions like the Sholan male." 

Q'ozoi had turned his attention to the reader again. "Chy'qui, have the M'zullians from the M'ijikk all 
been processed? Have you gotten all the genetic samples from them you need?" 

"Yes," hissed Chy'qui. "They were handed over to Personnel 
for training assignments about a week 
ago." 

Q'ozoi nodded, placing the reader back on the table. "Chy'qui, you were in charge of the Sholan male, 
Kusac. I see you had him implanted. Why? Surely the device is too specific to our own species to use on 
them? And why was he kept separate from the rest of his crew?" 

"It's in the records, Commander. I had him implanted because when he was woken, he began to go into 
uncontrollable 
seizures. His very life was at risk. All I had left to try was the implant. Once it was in 
place, the seizures stopped. As well as saving his life, because he's been implanted, 
there are certain 
tests I'm able to run that are increasing our knowledge of their telepathic abilities. I couldn't do them if 
he'd been kept with the others." 

"I see he's a telepath, one of a threesome with the Human female from the other cryogenic unit. Given the 
strong nature of their mental links to each other, they'll want him back. We can offer an exchange. Kusac 
for Prince Zsurtul and this General Kezule." 

Chy'qui frowned. "Commander, if he's to be returned, then my research…" 

"Will stop immediately," interrupted Q'ozoi. "Getting our Enlightened One back is more important." 

Zayshul hid a smile behind a hastily raised hand. 

"This implant, can you remove it now he's cured?" 

"I'm afraid that isn't so easy," said Chy'qui. "The implants 
aren't intended to be removed, Commander. 
Once attached to the recipient, they bind themselves into the brain tissue." 

Q'ozoi sat up in his seat, eyes narrowing as he glared at Chy'qui. "Why wasn't I informed about this 
matter before he was implanted? We could have returned him to a stasis unit and given him back to his 
own people to cure." 

"I believe that was why he was in their cryo unit in the first place, Commander. And there wasn't time. 
We had no drugs we could use, and his condition had deteriorated too much for stasis to be an option. In 
the circumstances, an implant was worth trying." 

Q'ozoi hissed angrily as he got to his feet. "I question your judgement, Doctor. The Kz'adul's mission is 
to pursue a treaty with the Sholans. You may be a counselor to the Emperor, but your decisions over 
allowing Prince Zsurtul to experiment with J'koshuk and implanting the Sholan are flawed in the extreme. 
They could cost us our only useful potential allies! You're relieved of any responsibility for the Sholan. 
You will confine yourself to attending to the M'zullians. I had none of these problems when Doctor 
Zayshul was in charge of Med Research! You can be sure I'll lodge a complaint with the authorities when 
we return home." 


He turned to look at Zayshul. "Doctor Zayshul, I'm putting 
you in charge of our Sholan's well-being. Get 
the TeLaxaudin onto it. Tell them they have to find a way to remove that implant. Once repairs to the hull 
have been completed, we'll be following the U'Churian ship. I want this Sholan fit to hand back to his 
people as soon as possible." 

He turned to look at Zayshul. "Doctor Zayshul, I'm putting 
you in charge of our Sholan's well-being. Get 
the TeLaxaudin onto it. Tell them they have to find a way to remove that implant. Once repairs to the hull 
have been completed, we'll be following the U'Churian ship. I want this Sholan fit to hand back to his 
people as soon as possible." 

"I'll expect a report from you within the next six hours," he said, heading for the door. He stopped, 
turning round to look at her one more time. "Glad you managed to survive 
the hull breech, Doctor. We 
lost too many people before 
we got the force field up." 

* * * .. 

Consciousness returned suddenly, bringing with it the smell of antiseptic and an awareness of paralysis as 
Kusac tried to move his head and found he couldn't. 

"Don't be alarmed," said a voice nearby. "I am Commander 
Q'ozoi of the science ship Kz'adul. You 
were injured 
and have been sleeping in our medical center while your injuries healed. In a few days, we 
hope to rendezvous with your people and return you to them." 

A voice, not a translator, speaking Sholan. It sounded like J'koshuk's but it wasn't. He took a deep 
breath, searching 
underneath the antiseptic for other scents. Valtegan, but not one he recognized. One of 
M'ezozakk's crew? 

"I need some information from you." 

He tried to laugh and found himself coughing and beginning 
to choke. 

"Release the restraint field and get him some water." 

A guttural reply was cut short by an explosive comment, then suddenly he could move again. 

Immediately he rolled on his side, a task made difficult by the formfitting bed, and continued to cough. A 
bowl shaped cup was handed to him and he took it gratefully, gulping down all the water. His throat 
eased, he looked up. Standing by his bed, clad in a military style gray one-piece, stood a Valtegan. He 
looked unlike any Valtegan Kusac had seen before. The hairless skull wasn't smooth, it was crested with 
a knobbed rigid extrusion, like a continuation of its spine, running back from where his nose joined the 
forehead. Below it, dark green, slightly bulbous eyes regarded 
him. 

Kusac pushed himself up into a sitting position. The bed seemed to relax around him, losing the 
configuration of his body and reverting to an oval shape. 

He moved slowly and stiffly, finding he still hurt in many places, principally his head, ribs, and groin 
muscles. 

"I thought J'koshuk had beaten everything you wanted to know out of me," he said. 

"You have my apologies for that. He should not have been allowed near you. He has been dealt with." 

Kusac stared at him. "Sure," he said, looking beyond the Seniormost to the armed guard standing behind 
him. 

"You are probably wondering how you come to be on our ship. A signal was recently received from an 
ancient device of ours, one associated with the Sholans. The Kz'adul 
was sent to investigate and to 


make contact with your people. As we approached Jalna, we saw an enemy ship, the M'ijikk, attack 
and board your craft. We decided to intervene on your behalf. The crew of the Rryuk's Profit have been 
well treated, and the Human female was healed. You were taken ill when you were revived so we kept 
you separate." 

make contact with your people. As we approached Jalna, we saw an enemy ship, the M'ijikk, attack 
and board your craft. We decided to intervene on your behalf. The crew of the Rryuk's Profit have been 
well treated, and the Human female was healed. You were taken ill when you were revived so we kept 
you separate." 

"Because we have a common enemy and wish a treaty with you." 

Kusac looked back at the Seniormost. He felt anger, but it was distant, as if not really part of him. "What 
common 
enemy?" 

"The Valtegans from the M'ijikk whom you fought on the Human world of Keiss, and the J'kirtikkans 
with whom they're at war." 

"You're from another Valtegan world?" 

"We're from the home world, yes." 

"The world that ruled your empire?" His interest was beginning to grow a little. Memories of Valtegans on 
Keiss were coming back to him, of their fear and psychotic hatred of Sholans. 

"Our ancient empire, yes. These days, we only wish to defend ourselves against the M'zullians and the 
J'kirtikkians. Now that one ship has discovered Jalna, others 
will follow. All who trade there are at risk 
from the M'zullians' and J'kirtikkians' warlike nature. Our envoy explained 
this to your crew, but they 
chose to leave without taking the treaty papers. Why would they not agree to an alliance?" 

He was having difficulty getting past the fact that he was having a rational conversation with a Valtegan. "I 
don't know. Perhaps they didn't think you were hospitable enough." This was confusing. Was he saying 
they'd escaped? 
If so, then his family were safe. The knowledge should please him, he knew it should, 
but again, he felt remote from it. 

"We need your help. We can't be sure those on the Rryuk's 
Profit will present our petition accurately. 
The location of your home world, Shola, is known to us. We wish to go there but you have system 
defenses. We need you to take us through them so we can put our case to your leaders ourselves." 

Shock reached through the indifference, but only just. He concentrated on what the Seniormost had just 
said. It sounded so logical that he began to wonder what was wrong with him. "I need to think about 
that," he said, lying down again. "I'm tired. Your priest hurt me too much and the drugs make it difficult to 
remember." Around him, the bed began to conform to his shape again. 

There was a short silence. "As you wish, but the matter is urgent. I can give you an hour to consider your 
answer." 

He heard the footsteps of the Seniormost and the guard recede into the distance. Turning his head, he 
saw the two at the door remained. They wore no armor now, only black fatigues, but they were still 
heavily armed. He looked at the ceiling, trying to marshal his thoughts. It was difficult to concentrate. Had 
they drugged him into complaisance? He remembered being controlled before, but not completely. 
They 
weren't able to force him, otherwise he'd have agreed to taking them into Sholan space. 

Putting his hand up to his face, he felt the bruising and swelling on his cheeks and eye ridges. There was 
very little pain. How long had he been here? Reaching lower, he felt tentatively under his left ear. The 


implant was still there, he could feel the edges of it. He felt sick then, and his body begin to shake with 
reaction. Not drugs, it was the device controlling him. He checked his neck, feeling the warm metal of the 
collar. For alL the commander's fine words, they hadn't removed that. 

implant was still there, he could feel the edges of it. He felt sick then, and his body begin to shake with 
reaction. Not drugs, it was the device controlling him. He checked his neck, feeling the warm metal of the 
collar. For alL the commander's fine words, they hadn't removed that. 

The tingling increased to a level of pain that threatened to break his concentration. Remembering what 
had happened 
to them on Jalna, he shifted mental wavelengths and immediately found that the pain 
began to recede and his head began to clear slightly. 

Fear hit him. Now he realized fully just what they ex-pected him to do. To betray his home world. If the 
Primes got a scent of the fact he could combat their implant at all, they could adjust it till he had no will of 
his own left. The commander might try to present the Primes as having been altruistic toward the rest of 
the crew, but he suspected the truth was quite different. 

He remembered quite clearly a Seniormost bringing J'kos-huk to him the first time, remembered the 
questions he'd been asked by him, and J'koshuk's torture. It wasn't possible 
that it had happened 
without the knowledge of their commander. 

Somehow, he had to prevent the Primes from reaching Shola. If Kaid thought there was a possibility of 
being followed, 
he wouldn't head for home, he'd head somewhere farther away, somewhere capable of 
defending itself. Somewhere 
like Haven. 

Some time later, Commander Q'ozoi returned, followed by an aide carrying a chair for him. It was 
placed beside Kusac's bed. 

Kusac didn't wait for him to start talking. There were questions he wanted answered. "Why has a device 
been implanted in me?" 

"When you were brought out of cryogenic sleep, you had violent seizures. They threatened your life. The 
implant was the only way of controlling them before they killed you." 

He absorbed that for a minute. It was possible, depending 
on how long they'd had Carrie awake, but 
he'd never heard of seizures as a symptom of Link deprivation. In the brief moment he'd sensed them, 
he'd known that Carrie and Kaid had formed a Leska Link. At least she was safe. "Seizures?" 

"Your body was suffering muscle spasms and you were choking. Between the seizures, you were violent. 
No other way to incapacitate you and control the fits without harming 
you could be found. It was an 
emergency measure, I'm afraid. The implants weren't designed for your species, they're for the M'zullian 
Valtegans. Our doctor did what he thought best at the time. I've answered your questions, now it's your 
turn, Kusac. Will you take us safely to Shola?" 

He closed his eyes. He was tired, had no energy or inter-est in this or any conversation. "I can't. I don't 
know the codes you want. I can take you to the place where my people are going. Another of the Sholan 
crew is empowered 
to make Contact negotiations. You can show him your papers." 

"Another, Kusac? Are you similarly empowered?" 

It was said so softly that he almost didn't realize his mistake and the implications of the commander's 
question. "Not now," he said. "I was relieved of duty when I was put in cryo." 


"But you're out now." 

"But you're out now." 

"Then give me the codes and coordinates for where they're going," Q'ozoi said, holding out a comp 
reader. 

Kusac tiredly lifted his right arm and took it from him. Pushing himself up on his other elbow, he switched 
hands and punched in the figures before handing it back. 

Q'ozoi took it from him, glanced at it, and stood up. His aide ran forward to remove the chair. "Thank 
you. Doctor Zayshul will be in presently to make you more comfortable," 
he said. 

Kusac let himself fall back to the bed. Keeping his thoughts straight for this long had drained him. All he 
could do now was pray that he'd done the right thing. 

* * * 

It had taken Kezule that night and another to reach the first estate. By hiding high in the trees adjacent to 
it during daylight, he'd learned it was the Aldatan estate, and the one he wanted, Valsgarth, lay farther 
south. The route through the trees took longer but was safer than crossing the open fields and leaving his 
scent behind for them to smell. 

Another night's travel had seen him in the woodland behind the small village. It was smaller than the other, 
consisting 
of only two main rows of wooden houses divided up by five short streets intersecting them at 
right angles. Construction work was still going on at the end farthest from the large house, but many of 
the buildings were occupied. 

The inhabitants were a curious mixture of species, a fact he found baffling. Why would the Sholans want 
to share their private estates with aliens? He recognized one species, the Humans. The other, a brightly 
dressed, ungainly species, 
he had never seen before. A mixed group of all three species had left early 
that morning in several small aircars, heading for a distant hill topped by ruins. That intrigued him. Why 
were they going there? They'd had an air of purpose about them, as if going for a reason other than 
leisure. They returned just before dusk, their clothing stained and dusty. He deduced they were involved 
in some manual work, perhaps more construction. 

Crouched as high in his tree as he could safely go, he'd watched their day unfold. It was essentially the 
same as the one on the other estate, with some Sholans heading out to work in the fields and others 
making themselves busy around the village with building, combat training, planting their gardens, and 
visiting the village store. The training had him confused. He'd understood from the telepath he'd killed and 
the female, Keeza, that this was the estate where the majority of telepaths lived. How could they be 
training when to fight made them physically sick? Then he remembered 
the two Sholan males who'd 
taken him had fought with others of their kind in the desert. Something about them had changed. Was it 
mixing with the Humans? He dismissed the puzzle for the time being. More important was his need to find 
out where the ones he wanted lived. So far, he'd seen no sign of them. 

Darkness fell and streetlamps were lit as people retired to their homes for the evening. Overhead, the 
aerial patrol flew by at its usual time. He climbed lower, pulling on the dark robe again for better 
concealment. Still he waited, listening and watching for the night foot patrol he knew would come through 
the main street. He almost missed them, so quiet were they. Gray-clad, they blended in the shadows well. 
Not soldiers, these ones. They were more than that. 


They were no sooner out of sight than he heard a noise from the building opposite. As he watched, the 
window was pulled quietly open and a head poked out, looking around. It ducked back in, then a 
knotted rope was thrown out. 

They were no sooner out of sight than he heard a noise from the building opposite. As he watched, the 
window was pulled quietly open and a head poked out, looking around. It ducked back in, then a 
knotted rope was thrown out. 

"Daira, shut up!" hissed the larger one. "If you keep up that noise, you'll wake my mum, then we'll never 
get to see the Touibans!" 

"Sorry, Mandy," he whispered. 

"Come on, let's get going," Mandy said, grabbing him by the hand and heading toward the back of their 
garden— and closer to Kezule. 

He watched as they climbed over the low fence and crept round the rear of the gardens, heading for the 
end of the street. Keeping to the deep shadows, he followed them. At the last building, he stopped, 
watching as they scampered through the pools of light cast by the lamps to the buildings on the other side. 
Now he could see clearly what he'd suspected. 
One child was Sholan, the other Human. 

He couldn't risk following them, and equally, couldn't afford to lose them. During the day, he'd seen 
others walking 
around the village wearing dark robes. Maybe if he pulled the hood up, he'd escape 
notice. It was his only option. He had to get across the roadway. Tipping his head down and pulling the 
hood well forward, he clasped his hands together, letting the wide mouths of the sleeves cover them. 
Stepping out into the open, he walked briskly across the street, making for the rear of the buildings 
opposite where the children had gone. Reaching the cover of the far corner, he slowed down, breathing 
again as he realized he'd made it. 

Cautiously, he peered round the corner, catching sight of the two small forms scurrying down the back of 
the garden fences. He followed, once more keeping low, seeing them jump a fence near the far end. As 
he drew level with the house, he realized the reason for their illicit night outing was to spy on the 
household of garishly dressed aliens. 

Easing his gun from his robe pocket and nicking the safety off, he stuck it through the tie belt. The night 
was still, what little movement of air there was came from the young ones toward him. If they saw him, 
his disguise should fool them long enough for him to get close. Maintaining his crouch, he inched his way 
slowly forward but they were too busy trying to peer through a window with partly open drapes to notice 
him. When he finally loomed over them, it was too late. A quick blow to the back of the neck of the 
young Sholan, then he grasped hold of the other one, hand over her mouth to stop her from yelling. 

"Be very quiet or you and your friend will die," he hissed in her ear as she struggled to get free. 

She stiffened and he felt her try to nod her head. 

"I'm going to put you down and take my hand from your mouth. One sound and you know what I'll do." 
He set her down, removing his hand from her mouth and grasping her by the throat. "Don't try to pull 
away," he warned letting her feel the tips of his claws against her flesh. "One squeeze of my hand is all it 
takes. Understand?" 

She nodded, putting her hand up to her mouth to stifle her cry of fear as she caught sight of him. 

Pulling her with him, he reached down to pick up the Sholan child. Slinging him over his shoulder, he 
dragged the female back into the trees just beyond the end of the garden. When he could no longer see 


the lights of the village, 
he stopped, dropping the unconscious young male to the ground. He could forget 
about him, he wouldn't wake till dawn. He turned to the Human child. 

the lights of the village, 
he stopped, dropping the unconscious young male to the ground. He could forget 
about him, he wouldn't wake till dawn. He turned to the Human child. 

"I… I don't know," she said falteringly. 

He shook her like a rag doll, claws causing tiny wounds in her neck. "Which house?" he demanded. 

"The big one at the end," she whimpered, tears running down her face as she caught at his hand, trying to 
pull on his fingers. "But they're not there! They're not back from Jalna yet!" 

He hissed with rage, hand tightening instinctively till he realized he was throttling her. He relaxed his grip. 
"Who stays there now? I saw people going in and out of it today." 

"The doctor and his companion, Jiszoe, and Kashini, and Brother Dzaka. And the nurse." 

"Who are they? Relations of the Aldatans?" He increased 
the pressure slightly. Relations would do, 
would force them to surrender to him when they returned. 

"Their baby and Kaid's son. He guards her," she sobbed. "Please, don't hurt me! I haven't done 
anything!" 

"You'll take me to this house." He needed somewhere to go, to hide out in safety with his hostages till the 
Aldatans returned. Then he remembered the hill and the ruins. "What are they doing at the ruins?" 

"It's being excavated. There's tunnels in it where Shoians hid from the Valtegans in the past." She 
stopped, eyes widening 
even further in fear. "You're a Valtegan!" 

He gave a short laugh. "Yes, I'm a Valtegan." He let his tongue flick out close to her face. "I have nothing 
to lose, so make no sound and you will be set free once I have the people I want." Reaching inside his 
robe, he pulled out the rope that was coiled round his waist. Turning her round, he quickly and efficiently 
bound her wrists behind her, cutting 
off the extra length with his teeth. He'd need that for the one called 
Dzaka. 

Ten minutes later, Mandy stood at the back door waiting for someone to answer Kezule's knock. The 
light had already 
been on, and almost immediately, they heard footsteps 
making their way to the back 
door. It opened, casting a pool of golden light onto the path. 

"Mandy! What on earth are you doing out at…" Jack fell silent as he found himself looking at the muzzle 
of an energy pistol held by a Valtegan. 

Kezule waved him back into the house and, pulling Mandy with him, entered, shutting the door behind 
him. 

"Sit," he ordered, pointing to the table where Jack had been working. He picked Mandy up and placed 
her on another chair as Jack resumed his, seat. "Where is your mate?" he demanded. 

"In bed asleep," said Jack quietly. "You must be Kezule. I had no idea you were free." 

"Silence!" Kezule hissed, checking out the room thoroughly 
before looking cautiously through the doors 
to the adjacent main kitchen. Stuffing his pistol through his belt, he took a towel from the back of a chair 
and ripped it into strips. "The one called Dzaka, where is he?" 

"In bed asleep," said Jack as his arms were pulled behind him and tied to the chair. 


"I want him and the child down here, now. Call him." 
"No need," said Jack as they heard a noise from the room next door. 
Pulling his gun, Kezule dived for the door, standing to one side as it burst open to admit a naked but 


armed Sho-lan male, a young child clutched to his chest. 
"Jack, what…" Dzaka skidded to an abrupt stop as he took in the situation. 
"Drop the gun," said Kezule, aiming directly at the child. "Slowly." 
Dzaka lowered his weapon, dropping it to the floor near his feet. 
"Kick it away," ordered Kezule. "Then sit down at the table, there." He pointed to the chair farthest from 


Jack and Mandy. 


Dzaka sent the gun spinning across the floor, then moved toward the table and sat down. "What do you 
want, Kezule?" 
he asked, shifting Kashini so his body shielded her. 
"You and the child. Put it on the table and place your hands behind your back," he ordered, readying 


another strip of towel. 


Dzaka placed the unusually subdued Kashini on the table. "Leave the cub, Kezule," he said quietly, 
putting his hands behind his back. "You have me, you've no need of her. She'd only be a liability to you." 
"Enough talk," said Kezule, binding his wrists individually, 
then together. 
"The estate is crawling with guards. You can't possibly escape." 
Kezule ignored him, unfastening Dzaka's wrist comm and turning up the psi damper field to maximum 


before putting it on him again. Pulling the remainder of his rope free, he placed it round Dzaka's neck, 
tying it in a noose with a rigid knot. He then tied a sliding knot at the other end. Turning to Kashini, who'd 
been watching the proceedings with curiosity, he scooped her up in one arm, tucking her inside his robe 
against his chest. 

"Your guards are so good they couldn't keep me out," he said, going round to Jack. He grasped him by 
the chin, turning his head to face him. "I am taking them as hostages till the Aldatans return. Tell your 
people that. They can contact me on their wrist communicators." A blow to the back of his neck and 
Jack slumped unconscious to the table. 

Mandy began to whimper as Kezule turned to her. 

"Leave Mandy alone," said Dzaka, beginning to rise from his chair. "There's no need to…" but already 
she was sliding bonelessly off her chair. 
Grabbing Dzaka by an arm, Kezule pulled him to his feet, then slipped the other end of the noose round 


Ka-shini's neck. 


"One sound and the child dies. There will not be a second 
warning. You are tethered to her. If you run, 
the loop will tighten and she will strangle. Do we understand each other?" 
Dzaka nodded. Kezule switched off the light and opened the door. 
The journey through the woods had been a nightmare one. Dzaka had been ordered to lead them to the 


tunnels under the ruins. That was bad news. If Kezule got holed up in the lab area, he could seal them in 



by closing the steel doors. They were blast proof and virtually impregnable. 

by closing the steel doors. They were blast proof and virtually impregnable. 

He lay there, head aching and spinning with the sick fear that Kashini was dead. Unable to get up, he had 
to lie there while Kezule slithered down to get him. Then he heard Kashini whimpering. Relief flooded 
through him. 

Kezule stood over him, knife glinting in what little moonlight 
there was as he returned it to its sheath 
inside his robe. 

"Lucky for the child I had that," he said, reaching down and hauling Dzaka to his feet. 

Blood from Dzaka's cut brow was running into his eyes and he had to shake his head to clear them. He 
groaned as pain stabbed through his temples. 

Grasping hold of the noose still round his neck, Kezule pulled him closer. "With one as clumsy as you, I 
cannot risk the child again. I want your oath of honor that you won't try to escape." 

From the folds of Kezule's robe, Kashini reached out for her bond-brother. Her fingers brushed his 
cheek before Kezule released him. 

"I swear," Dzaka gasped. "Just don't harm her!" 

They regained the path, Kezule holding him by the arm as they traveled parallel to it, keeping in the cover 
of the woods until they saw the opening to the tunnel ahead. It was in darkness. There wasn't the need 
for the archaeologists 
to work round the clock any more, so no one was on duty. As they entered, 
Kashini began to whimper again. 

"Where are the torches or lights?" demanded Kezule, stopping just inside. 

"There, to your left," said Dzaka, bobbing his head in the direction of the box on the wall. With any luck, 
someone 
would see the lights blazing out and come to investigate 
before Kezule got them holed up in 
the lab. 

Kezule opened the box, looking carefully at the labeled switches. "What areas do they light?" he asked. 
"And can they be turned off from inside?" 

"The top one is main lighting, the one below, emergency lights only. The others light individual caverns 
and tunnels." 

Kezule's hand hesitated over the top switch, then flipped the one below. Above them, subdued lights 
flickered briefly then came on. Kezule rounded on Dzaka, hitting him once across the face, sending him 
staggering backward. 

"Don't lie to me again," he hissed, crest rising briefly in anger. Grasping him by the arm again, they 
entered the tunnel. 

Licking his split lip, Dzaka limped on, leading the way up the slope to the first chamber, then across to 
the next tunnel. When they came out in the main chamber, he heard Kezule's sharp intake of breath. 


There was a field kitchen here, complete with supplies, and even a couple of camp beds for their first aid 
station. It had just about everything he could need to stock up for a siege. Except raw meat. 

There was a field kitchen here, complete with supplies, and even a couple of camp beds for their first aid 
station. It had just about everything he could need to stock up for a siege. Except raw meat. 

Dzaka immediately began pulling at the bindings on his wrists, trying to get free, but the harder he pulled, 
the tighter they got till his circulation was almost cut off. 

Kezule returned for the final time. He'd located the kitchen generator and the feed for the lighting as well 
as several flashlights. Activating the flashlights, he stood them on the work surface nearest the door, then 
unplugged the lights and replugged them into the generator, switching it on. Heading for the entrance, he 
sealed the steel door. The sound of it sliding shut sent a shiver of fear through Dzaka. 

"Now we wait for them to discover you're missing," said Kezule, pulling Kashini from his robe and 
coming toward him. 

* * * 

Day 38 

Brynne awoke early to the knowledge that Dzaka and Kashini had been kidnapped and Father Lijou and 
Master Konis were on their way to see him. Banner was to report to Garras at the training hall as every 
able-bodied person was staking out the estate perimeter and the monastery hill itself. 

The name Kezule filled Keeza with terror, but she didn't know why. 

"Stay upstairs," said Brynne as he left their bedroom. "Between Father Lijou and Master Konis, very little 
happens 
on Shola that they don't know about. I don't want them recognizing you before we know more 
about your past." 

She nodded, ears invisible in her halo of tabby hair. 

Jurrel was letting them in as Brynne left, and their voices drifted up the stairs to her. 

"Brynne, Father Lijou says you might be able to contact Dzaka. Something Derwent taught you. Would 
you try for me, please? I need to do something while we're waiting for Garras and Ni'Zulhu to report 
back to us." 

"Of course, Master Konis. There was no need for you to even ask," replied Brynne. 

"There's no guarantee it will work, Konis," warned Lijou as they left the hall for the den. "Brynne said he 
can see, that's all." 

Keeza's senses began to spin as the voices triggered more images from her subconscious. She clutched 
the doorframe as colors, scents and images exploded in front of her eyes, transporting her back to the 
military facility at Shanagi. 

Tall, green-skinned, his oval head totally hairless, the Valtegan Kezule had gone to the feeding cage 
where a terrified chiddoe squealed frantically as it tried to dig its way out. She'd watched as he'd taken 
the helpless creature out and with a single, quick movement, snapped its neck. Then he'd turned to the 
concealed viewing window and begun to dismember it before returning to his table. She'd watched, 


fascinated 
and horrified, as he'd skinned and eaten it. She'd shuddered then, and she did so again. 

fascinated 
and horrified, as he'd skinned and eaten it. She'd shuddered then, and she did so again. 

Her head was pounding but the images didn't stop. She remembered Kezule's protuberant slitted eyes 
regarding her dispassionately as he handed her a plate of scraps. 

"You may eat," he'd said. 

She had, ravenously, her face and body still aching from the beating he'd given her the day before for 
trying to steal his leftover food. She could still smell the stench of the fresh blood and taste the raw flesh. 

Memories were coming faster now, flashing before her eyes like a kaleidoscope of her life. Kezule taking 
her arm and sinking his teeth into it with great deliberation, telling her to watch him while he slept. Him 
waking, too weak to eat, needing her to feed him gobbets of raw meat. The blood had run down her 
arms, soaking into her pelt. The smell of the blood had made her hungry, but he needed the food more 
than she did now. In the shower, she'd sluiced the dead and flaking skin from his emaciated body, a body 
that was as smooth and hairless as his head. It was the first time she'd seen him unclothed. He was 
featureless, no sex, nothing. She'd lain with him then, after wrapping him in all their blankets for warmth. 
She'd felt the need to protect and care for him. He was hers, her male and beautiful 
in her eyes. 

She moaned, slipping down to her knees, but it wasn't over yet. An alarm had gone off and the guards 
and medics had come. She'd crouched over his unconscious body, protecting 
him from her own kind. 
Then suddenly, he'd awakened, 
grabbing the male medic by the throat. Blood had fountained 
everywhere, spraying the female, the walls, the ceiling. She'd gone for the guards then, while they looked 
in horror at Kezule. One she kicked, hearing his neck snap, glad that he could no longer threaten her 
male. The other she'd shot, holding the neural stunner on him till he died in agony, his screams meaning 
nothing to her in her greater need to protect Kezule. 

The race through the building with their hostages, the escape to the aircar, and the flight out of the city to 
the forest clearing where they landed, his killing of the telepath, all flashed before her eyes. Sick and 
feverish, convinced she was dying, she'd headed into the forest with him, then he'd turned on her. It had 
been him. The male she'd fought, who'd raped her, had been Kezule. And now he was here. 

She pulled herself up, and returning to the bed, reached under Brynne's pillows for his pistol. The two 
males she'd heard talking, they were the ones who'd put her in with Kezule. 

"I forget myself," said Konis, turning to Brynne and holding his hand out in greeting. 

Brynne had no option but to reach forward, touching fingertips briefly with him, knowing the Clan Lord 
would notice his cut palm and know he was now life-bonded. He'd want to know who she was. He 
could feel how tight a rein Master Konis was keeping on his emotions; none of them needed this 
distraction right now. 

"A marriage cut?" Konis held his hand, looking from the small healing wound to Brynne's face. "This is 
unexpected. 
You have my best wishes, Brynne. I thought I sensed a new presence on the estate. I wish 
it had been Kezule I'd sensed!" 

"My congratulations, too, Brynne. Do I know her?" 

Brynne was unable to answer. He stood there, swaying slightly, his eyes blank as his mind was flooded 
with Keeza's 
memories. 


"Brynne?" asked Lijou, face creasing in concern as he put a hand out to steady him. 


"She's been ill," stammered Brynne, putting a hand to his aching head as his mental link to Keeza abruptly 
ceased. "Later, you'll meet her later." 
The door behind him opened and, as he was about to turn around, Konis spoke. 
"Stay very still, Brynne," he said quietly. 
He spun round, knowing it was Keeza. He hardly recognized 
her, everything about her was different, 


from the way her tail swayed lazily to the set of her ears, and the gun pointing directly at him. 
"Get out of my way, Brynne," she said, her voice firm and determined. 
"No," he said. "This isn't the way, Keeza. There must be a reason. Ask them." 
"Oh, I intend to," she said with a small, mocking laugh. "Move aside!" 
"No," he said, taking a step toward her. 
She sidestepped him, aiming at Konis. "Don't interfere, Brynne. I don't want to hurt you if I can avoid it, 


but if I have to, I will. I want them to tell me why, what justification 
they have, for doing what they did to 


me." 
She was on the edge of sanity now, Brynne could feel it, could see the hand that held the gun trembling 
slightly. It would take very little for her to kill again. He had to stop her, before Jurrel did. 


Simultaneously, he reached out with his mind as he leaped at her, grabbing her arm and pulling it and the 
weapon down. From behind her, Jurrel launched himself forward, but before he contacted them, a single, 
muffled shot rang out. 

For a frozen moment, Brynne and Keeza stood face-to-face, then JurreFs attack felled them both. The 
gun went flying from Keeza's limp fingers to slither across the floor, landing at Lijou's feet. Stooping, he 
picked it up, training it on the three figures on the floor. 

Brynne slowly sat up, gathering Keeza's still form into his lap and looking over at Konis and Lijou. Jurrel 

rose, and meeting Lijou's gaze, left the room at a run, heading for the medikit in his room. 
"I don't care what she's done, she's my life-mate!" Brynne said angrily. "Why? Why did you put her in 
with Kezule? What the hell were you thinking of?" He felt cold, was starting to shiver. Sweat was 
beginning to run down his back, soaking his robe. "She's a gene-altered telepath, dammit! How could 
you do that to her? You made her what she was, made her a killer!" 

The room was beginning to spin, he was having difficulty staying conscious. "She's my life-mate and she's 
pregnant with our cub," he mumbled as he felt himself beginning to fall. "You can't take her from me." 

* * * 

The team, commanded by Garras and Ni'Zulhu, that entered 
the upper chamber was composed of 
those Brothers picked by Kaid as bodyguards. 

"He's closed the blast door," said Rulla quietly into the mouthpiece of his headset from his forward 
position. "He's sealed in tight as a demon fish's arse." 

"Fan out," said Ni'Zulhu. "Keep low. There's two-way vid cameras in the cavern, linked into the lab." 


Keeping close to the far Wall, Meral headed for the kitchen area. "He's taken the generator and emptied 
the food stores here," he whispered into his wrist comm. 
"Sick bay's gone, and the heater," said Lasad. 
"He's taken anything of use," said Ni'Zulhu. "At least they've got the basics." 


"Not Kezule," said Garras, covering his mouthpiece. "He needs raw meat." 
They exchanged looks as Garras' wrist comm began to buzz. "That's him," Ni'Zulhu nodded. "Answer 
him." 


Moving his mouthpiece out of the way, Garras activated the tiny vid unit. "Release the hostages, Kezule, 


then we'll talk." 
"This child has needs. Provide them or not, it matters little to me," the Valtegan said, then the line went 
dead. 


A faint commotion came from downstairs, then the cavern 
and tunnel lights came full on, blinding them 


all. 
"What the hell's going on down there?" Ni'Zulhu demanded 
of his people as the noise grew closer. "And 
who put the damned lights on?" 


"It's the Clan Leader," came the reply. "She's on her way up." 


Ni'Zulhu looked at Garras who shrugged. "Take cover and maintain your current positions," he ordered, 
signing off. 
Her blue robe flaring out behind her, Rhyasha, followed by Mnesu, marched to the mouth of the tunnel 


where Ni'Zulhu 
and Garras were crouched. "Why are you creeping around in the dark?" she demanded. 
"You're supposed to be rescuing my grandchild and Dzaka, not playing some childish game of Hide!" 


Garras blinked, taken aback by her verbal attack. "Hide?" 
She reached down and hauled him to his feet. "You know damned well what I mean!" she hissed. "Now, 
what does this—creature—want?" She punctuated her words by poking him repeatedly on the chest. 


"Clan Leader, with respect, you're interfering with our…" 
"Garras, find out what he wants! I will not risk Kashini's life, or Dzaka's!" 
"Clan Leader, we can't negotiate with him…" began Ni'Zulhu. 
"Can't?" she demanded, turning on him. "Can't! You will do what I tell you! If you don't, I will take 


charge myself!" She reached for his headset and only Garras' hand snaking out to catch hold of her 


prevented it being ripped off Ni'Zulhu's head. 
"Your pardon, Clan Leader," said Garras, letting her go hastily as she turned a vitriolic look on him. 
"You'll break it if you pull it about like that." 


"Find out what he wants!" 
Ni'Zulhu activated his wrist comm this time. "What do you want, Kezule?" 



"The three Aldatans who brought me to this time. When they come to me, then the child and the one 


called Dzaka will be released." 
Ni'Zulhu glanced sideways at Rhyasha as he answered. "They're missing in action, Kezule. Their craft's 
disap-peared. Likelihood is they're dead. Give yourself up now, before you make the situation worse." 


A short silence. "You lie. I will wait for them. I wish to return to my time, that's all." 


Rhyasha's ears had flattened in extreme distress. "My granddaughter for my son and bond-daughter?" 
she whispered, 
putting her hands to her face. "How can I trade one for the other?" 
"They can't return you, Kezule," said Garras, activating his own comm. "They sealed the way back." 
"Enough talking! I will wait for them. Meanwhile, this child has needs. You can hear her." 
In the background, they could hear Kashini howling in distress. 
Rhyasha grasped hold of Garras' arm, pulling his wrist unit up to her mouth. "If we gather what she 


needs, how will we get it in to you?" 


They heard a hiss of anger. "Can you Sholans not control your females?" Kezule snarled. "Fetch me your 
leader, I will talk to him or no one!" Again the line went dead. 
Stunned, Rhyasha let Garras' wrist fall from her grasp. 
"Clan Leader, their females are feral, not sentient," he said gently, putting an arm round her shoulders. 


"When your son brought him to our time, he nearly killed a female medic for touching him. He won't deal 


with you. It has to be one of us. I'm sorry, but that's the way it is." 
Dzaka had listened to the exchange anxiously. He knew the situation right now was volatile, so volatile 
that Kezule might kill either him or Kashini in anger. He had to get him to listen to Rhyasha. 


"General, she's the one you want, the leader of the family," 
he began. The rest of what he was going to 
say was cut short as Kezule spun toward him, landing a blow on the side of his face. 


"Be silent! You will speak only when told to do so!" 
Dzaka's head rocked on his shoulders, pain lancing across his cheek as one of the Valtegan's claws 
grazed him. 


"Females run the families on Shola," he said in a rush, lifting his head to look up at him. "She will give you 
what you want." 


"Females should be kept in the breeding rooms, not allowed 
to meddle in the affairs of males!" 
"We males are the warriors," said Dzaka, locking eyes with him as Kezule drew his hand back to hit him 
again. "We fight. Our females bear the cubs and tend the families, not us. Deal with her and you'll get 
what you want. She's the cub's grandmother. Or deal with our warriors." 


The Valtegan hesitated. 
"You heard her. She asked what you needed. The male refused to talk. Your choice, General." 
Kezule let out a hiss of pure rage. "I will not deal with females!" 



Dzaka shrugged and looked away as if it didn't matter to him. Inside was another matter. Fear gripped 
his heart and stomach with cold talons, making him think he'd black out. His life and Kashini's hung in the 
balance right now, and the cub wasn't helping as she squalled loudly in terror. 


Kezule threw back his head and roared in rage. It was a sound so alien it sent shivers down Dzaka's 
spine and silenced Kashini. 


"You will talk to her!" he snarled. "I will tell you what I need." 
"Clan Leader?" The voice was quiet and almost went unnoticed as Garras was leading Rhyasha out of 
the upper chamber. 


"Dzaka!" Rhyasha stopped dead and grabbed hold of Garras' wrist again. "What do you need?" 


"Kashini's things—her old blanket that she chews, clothes—the nurse knows." He sounded tired and in 
pain. "Her food, too, and extra bedding." 
"What about you?" 
"Food for Kezule," he said in a rush. "Chiddoes, live and caged. At least four a day. For Vartra's sake, 


Rhyasha, don't let them stop his food supply!" His voice tailed off as the comm was taken away from 


him. 
"Sholan female!" The voice was sibilant, the tone peremptory. 
"You will do as I say or I will kill this 
male, piece by piece. I can see the cavern on a display screen. Put the items on a wheeled pallet, with a 
rope at one end. Have one person where I can see him on the screen throw me the rope, then it will be 
pulled in. I am armed. If you try to shoot into the opening, the child or Dzaka will likely be hit, not me. 
Give me your word that you'll not attempt to attack me or force your way in." 


Garras attempted to snatch his wrist away from her but she increased her grip, clamping her claws into 
his hide. 
Ni'Zulhu grabbed for her, only to have his ear boxed severely by her other hand. 
"Yes! You have our word!" she said. 


"Rhyasha!" exclaimed Garras. "Dammit! You've no right to…" 
"This is my estate, my Clan and my granddaughter, and you tell me I have no right? You will honor my 
oath, Garras 
Janagu!" 


"You have given your word, Sholan Clan Leader," said Kezule. "Do not let your soldiers make a liar of 
you." The connection went dead. 


Rhyasha looked at Garras. "Live chiddoes?" 
"They eat freshly killed raw meat," said Garras. "Go and get the things you need, Rhyasha," he said 
gently, freeing 
his wrist from her unresisting hand. "We'll honor your oath, I promise. I'll see to rounding 
up a supply of chiddoes if you can get the grain for them organized." 


She nodded, a glazed look coming over her face. "They'll need water. And Kashini's toys." 
Garras gestured to Mnesu who came forward to take the Clan Leader by the arm and lead her back 
down the tunnel. 



"We're not keeping it," stated Ni'Zulhu as soon as she was out of earshot. 

"We're not keeping it," stated Ni'Zulhu as soon as she was out of earshot. 

Ni'Zulhu looked shocked. 

"We play it straight, do you understand me? Let's just get through today safely." 

* * * 

Konis sat down abruptly as Lijou stuck the gun in his pocket and rushed over to Brynne. Pulling the 
Human's robe open, he looked up at the Clan Lord. 
"Konis, give me the cloth on that table," he said. "I need to staunch this wound." 
The Clan Lord stood as if carved in stone. 


"Konis!" 
As if in a dream, Konis reached for the small decorative cloth on the table in front of him and picked it 
up. 


"Throw it to me!" ordered Lijou. "Dammit, Konis, pull yourself together! He's bleeding heavily!" 


The Clan Lord shot out of his seat to the priest's side, handing him the cloth. "Is it clean enough?" he 
asked. 
Lijou glanced at him as he folded the cloth into a pad. "Go sit down, Konis, I can manage," he said 


quietly as he pressed the pad over the wound in Brynne's side. 
"I'm staying," Konis said. "What can I do?" 
Lijou nodded to Keeza, "Check her. The shot could have hit her, too." 
Konis moved round to check on Keeza. "I can't see any blood," he said after a moment. "I think she just 


hit her head when she fell." 
"Thank the Gods! Now move her off him, please." 
Konis eased Keeza's limp body off Brynne's lap onto the floor, getting up to fetch a couple of cushions. 


He put one under her head and handed the other to Lijou for Brynne. "He's right," he said abruptly. "We 
are responsible for her. Obviously what she's been through has broken our programming. 
We have to 
do something about her, Lijou." 

"We will, my friend," said Lijou. "She was promised a new life. It looks like it's found her. She's En'Shalla 
now, my province. Raiban and her minions can yowl at the moons for all they'll get anywhere with me! 
But first, we have to see to Kezule." 

Jurrel came running in. "How's Keeza?" he asked, handing 
the priest a couple of towels before opening 
his medikit. 


"Only unconscious, we think," said Lijou, using one of them to replace the blood-soaked wad. "See to 
her first. I don't want her coming round and attacking us again. This looks like it's just a flesh wound." 

"Only unconscious, we think," said Lijou, using one of them to replace the blood-soaked wad. "See to 
her first. I don't want her coming round and attacking us again. This looks like it's just a flesh wound." 

"I didn't know you had medic skills, Lijou," said Konis, making his way shakily back to his seat. 

Lijou looked up at him, mouth opening in a smile. "You don't think I'm co-ruler of the Brotherhood 
without having been trained by them, do you, Konis? It was the first thing they did when I was elected to 
the post." 

Jurrel took over from him. "Father Lijou, there's nezzu in the cabinet over there. I think the Clan Lord 
could tolerate 
a stiff drink." He lifted the makeshift pad to see the wound for himself. 

"Good idea, Jurrel. Thank you," said Lijou, getting to his feet and wiping the blood from his hands on the 
other towel. 

"You were right, thank Vartra," sighed Jurrel, getting out a pressure dressing. "Only a flesh wound. Deep 
enough, though. Can you contact Physician Kyjishi for me? He needs to get this properly treated." 

"I don't think we'll need to," said Lijou, pouring out two drinks. "I sense Vanna on her way here now, in a 
full-scale panic." 

Five minutes later, Vanna knocked on the den door, entering 
with a nurse towing a floater. She glanced 
over to the couch where Keeza lay, covered now by a blanket. 

"I didn't even know he was mated!" she said as M'Zio and Jurrel lifted her Leska onto the' floater. "What 
in the name of all the Gods was he thinking of, mating with a killer, putting all our lives at risk! I really 
thought he'd straightened himself out at last." 

Jurrel looked up from packing his medikit. "You do both of them an injustice, Physician," he said. "You 
don't know what either of them suffered these past weeks when they shared memories and nightmares. 
Your mind would be as disturbed as hers if you'd been locked in with a Valtegan for two and a half 
months! You'd want answers from the two people who'd put you in with him, wouldn't you?" 

Vanna looked from Jurrel over to Konis and Lijou, a stunned look on her face as ears dipped backward 
in shock. 

"She was working undercover for us, Vanna," said Lijou. "She agreed to do it, but we had to wipe the 
memory of that from her mind before she went in with him. We never anticipated him escaping and taking 
her with him." 

"Was going to tell you," Brynne mumbled as he came round. "Is she all right?" he asked Jurrel. "Was my 
fault. I pulled the gun the wrong way." 

"She's fine," reassured Jurrel, taking his hand. "I gave her a sedative. She'll be out for a couple of hours." 

Brynne clasped Jurrel's hand tighter. "Stay with her. Don't let them take her away," he said, trying to look 
up at him. 

"I won't." 

Lijou came over to stand beside him. "Thank you for what you did, Brynne." He put his hand on the 


young man's shoulder, gripping it firmly. "You have my word Keeza will remain here. She's En'Shalla, 
one of us. Take Jurrel with you. I'll explain everything later, but for now, be assured that Keeza did agree 
to go in with Kezule. When she made that decision, she knew what it entailed, I promise 
you. Rest easy, 
now." 

young man's shoulder, gripping it firmly. "You have my word Keeza will remain here. She's En'Shalla, 
one of us. Take Jurrel with you. I'll explain everything later, but for now, be assured that Keeza did agree 
to go in with Kezule. When she made that decision, she knew what it entailed, I promise 
you. Rest easy, 
now." 

Lijou took her by the elbow, gently steering her toward the door. "You shall have it, my dear," he said. 
"Meanwhile, 
would you send another floater for Keeza? I'd like her kept under lock and key at the 
medical center for now, until Master Konis and I can talk to her and undo the conditioning we put there 
for her mission. She knows Kez-ule's here, I don't want her trying to run away from us. It's essential she 
remembers the whole truth, not just what we left her with." 

Vanna allowed herself to be gently seen out. "Good job we didn't resort to firearms every time we had a 
row," she grumbled at Brynne as she and Jurrel followed the floater out. 

"Don't scold me, Vanna," they heard Brynne say as the door shut. "She didn't mean to shoot me." 

Lijou sighed with relief as the door closed behind them and went over to sit beside Keeza. Relaxing 
himself with an effort, he put his hand gently on her brow and began to match his mind to hers. After a 
couple of minutes, he sat back and looked over to Konis. 

"The conditioning has broken down badly," he said. "She remembers most of what happened with 
Kezule, and some of her previous life. Nothing of her time at the Con-sortias, though she remembers 
being approached by L'Seuli, but not why, or more importantly, agreeing to spy on Kezule. We could 
restore the missing memories and erase those of her time with Kezule now, but we do owe her an 
explanation. And there's Brynne, of course. He'd still have them." 

"We wait till she's conscious," said Konis, resting his elbow on the arm of the chair. "I'm afraid I wouldn't 
be much help to you right now, Lijou. With Kusac and Carrie missing, and now their daughter taken by 
Kezule…" He stopped in mid-sentence, resting his head tiredly on his hand. "Will Rhyaz cause a problem 
over Keeza?" 

"No," said Lijou firmly. "As I told you, she's my concern as Head Priest, not his. Nothing connects 
Keeza to the murders of the two guards because legally she doesn't exist. The herb Kezule made her 
ingest, and the effects of his bite, affected the balance of her mind at the time of the incident. She wasn't 
capable of being responsible for her actions. As for this little episode…" 

"Understandable," interrupted Konis. "The only person she injured was Brynne, and I don't think he'll 
want to press charges. I must admit to being surprised at his actions," 
he continued as Lijou left Keeza 
to rejoin him. "I hadn't realized he had it in him. He's always seemed more of a pacifist." 

"It's the Sholan in him," said Lijou. "He's finally allowed himself to accept the two sides of his nature. 
Vanna was wrong, Konis, Brynne has changed. We alter the Humans almost as much as they alter us." 

* * * 

Kitra was already at the villa, packing Kashini's things, when her mother and Mnesu arrived. Within an 
hour, they were back at the site. Ni'Zulhu tried to take the bags from them, but Rhyasha came out of the 
semi-trance she'd been in since talking to Dzaka and resisted him fiercely, trying to push past him into the 
tunnel. 


It was Rulla who came to her rescue, "Let her through, Sub-Lieutenant," he said to the security chief. "It 
gives her something to do, and she needs that right now," he added quietly. 

It was Rulla who came to her rescue, "Let her through, Sub-Lieutenant," he said to the security chief. "It 
gives her something to do, and she needs that right now," he added quietly. 

"Civilians are involved," said Kitra sharply. "My niece is one!" 

He let them through, scowling at Rulla as the Brother escorted them in. 

Upstairs, Garras had gotten an old jegget trap turned into a cage for eight terrified chiddoes. It sat on a 
wheeled pallet in the middle of the upper cavern. Beside it was an old metal collar and a bracelet, and 
two bright green la'quo resin stones. There were also several fuel packs for the heater and the lighting 
generator. 

As Kitra and her mother began unpacking the bags of clothing, toys, and foodstuffs, she looked pointedly 
at the collar and bracelet. 

"Kezule asked for them," said Garras. "They were found in the lab in one of the cabinets. The ancient 
Valtegans used them to collar telepaths. Kezule needs the stones to make them work, he says." 

She shuddered visibly. "Why give them to him?" she asked. 

"Because he's got Dzaka bound otherwise. This is more civilized," he growled. "I don't like it, but Kezule 
got Dzaka to ask for them and he managed to let me know it was what he preferred." 

"How barbaric is Kezule?" she asked quietly so her mother couldn't hear. 

Garras looked at her curiously. "In a way, he's not. I got hold of the Brotherhood files on him. He's got 
his own code of honor, strange as it may seem to us. So far, he's killed only when he needed to. The 
medic because he was about to give him a drug that would likely have killed him, and Zhyaf, because as 
a telepath, he was a threat to him. He spared the female hostages at Shanagi. I don't think he intends to 
harm Dzaka or Kashini, unless we make him." 

"I'll push the pallet in," she said as she finished putting out clothing for Dzaka. 

"No, absolutely not," he said firmly. "It's far too dangerous. 
I'm doing it. Now take your mother back to 
Rulla at the tunnel mouth." 

Kitra stood back, watching while Garras spoke to Kezule. Minutes later, the steel door began to open 
just enough for the pallet to enter. Garras threw the coiled rope into the opening. It went taut and slowly, 
the pallet began to roll forward on its wheels. 

She waited until it was almost inside then began to run for the gap, yelling loudly, "Don't shoot! Please 
don't shoot!" 

Her mother screamed, and she was aware of angry shouts as she flung herself at the trolley, landing on 
top of it. Her sudden added weight made it shoot through the gap like an exploding bottle. 

She and it hit a wooden workbench, sending her and the contents toppling to the floor. The chiddoes 
shrieked, the door shut with a reverberating clang, and clawed hands grasped her by the scruff, hauling 
her up in the air till her face was level with his. 

She'd seen pictures of Valtegans, but it hadn't prepared her for actually meeting one. Yellow, slitted eyes 
glared angrily at her. The mouth was open, showing dozens of small, needle-sharp pointed teeth, and a 


forked tongue was flicking out at her face. Her vision faded as she passed out. 

forked tongue was flicking out at her face. Her vision faded as she passed out. 

Kezule hissed angrily at the limp form in his hand and turned to look at Dzaka. "Your female?" he asked, 
lowering 
her to the ground. "Why did she risk her life running in like that?" he demanded, stooping to 
retrieve the cage of squealing chiddoes and set them on the work surface. "Is she brain-damaged?" His 
wrist comm was buzzing but he ignored it. 

"Must be," Dzaka muttered, relieved beyond measure that the Valtegan had apparently lost interest in 
her. "We looked after the cub together," he added on impulse. "She came because of her." 

Kezule looked at him again, frowning. "We shall see." He returned to the unconscious young female, 
picking her up like she was a sack of grain, and carried her over to the camp bed on which Kashini was 
tethered. 

The cub had been crying off and on since they'd arrived in the lab, but on seeing Kitra laid beside her, 
she stopped and began to purr a little, reaching out to pat her face. Dzaka breathed a sigh of relief as he 
tried to ease his aching 
shoulders and wrists. 

"Pleasure noises," said Kezule, watching her for a moment 
before turning back to the overturned pallet. 

The wrist comm continued to emit a low-key buzzing which he continued ignoring as he began to sort 
through the items. Dzaka saw him stop when he found the collar and bracelet. Picking them up, Kezule 
put the bracelet on the counter by the cage and began examining the collar. 

Dzaka was still fastened by both wrists to the solid base of the microscope, but the bindings had been 
loosened a little once Kezule realized how tight they'd become. Going over to him, the Valtegan placed 
the collar round his neck, snapping it shut. It was cold, and wh6n Kezule released it, heavy against his 
collarbone. A chill ran through him. This was the control collar used on the telepaths of Kezule's time. 

Cold steel touched his wrists and his heart almost stopped until he felt the knife begin to cut through the 
towel bindings. Suddenly freed, his arms fell to his sides, sending shooting pains through his shoulder 
joints. Groaning, 
he slowly pulled them around in front of him and began to massage his wrists and 
rotate his shoulders, trying to return the circulation to them as they throbbed and prickled. 

Kezule placed the tip of the knife under his chin, forcing it up. "Remember, I have your oath not to try 
and escape." 

"You have," said Dzaka, aware he now had two people depending on him. 

"I'm going to eat. You can see to your female, then sort through that mess," Kezule said, putting the knife 
away and pointing at the pile of assorted clothes and packs of food. 

Dzaka pulled himself upright and staggered across to Kashini and Kitra. As he eased himself down onto 
the bed, the cub mewled uncertainly, leaving the unconscious Kitra to throw herself into his arms. 

"Hey, it's all right, Kashini," he said, holding her with one arm as she wound both hers around his neck, 
hugging him tightly. "Hush now, I'm here. Everything's going to be fine." With his other hand, he checked 
Kitra, pressing his hand to her neck for her pulse. 

The chiddoes screeched their terror as Kezule opened the cage to take one out. Dzaka clearly heard the 
snap of its neck breaking. The wrist comm had finally stopped buzzing 
he realized in the silence that 
followed as Kezule went to one of the trestle tables to eat. 


"She's the Clan Leader's daughter," he said carefully, aware how easily the Valtegan could be angered. 
"It would do no harm to tell her Kitra and Kashini are safe." 

"She's the Clan Leader's daughter," he said carefully, aware how easily the Valtegan could be angered. 
"It would do no harm to tell her Kitra and Kashini are safe." 

Dzaka looked away, concentrating on the cub. The tone might have been mild, but Kezule's face wasn't. 
He'd been told to go through the goods sent in by Rhyasha. Kashini needed to be cleaned and clothed. 
Doing that would give her some feeling of security at least, and keep him busy. 

Untying the tether round her waist, he took the cub with him, limping slowly down the aisle between the 
workbench and the steel shelving units that held the remains of the ancients' data processing equipment. 
He noticed irrelevanc-ies, like the fact that one of the old monitors was still there. The other was in bits 
somewhere in the lab. Behind where Kezule sat were old store cupboards, their contents emptied for 
examination months ago. They would make an ideal place to keep the food and spare clothing. 

He could feel the Valtegan watching him. 

"You're a telepath," said Kezule. "Yet a soldier, too. How is this possible? I thought your kind couldn't 
stand the pain of others." 

"I'm not a telepath," said Dzaka. "I'm an empath. I only feel other's emotions, not what they're thinking." 

"Ah. And your female?" 

He hesitated, and decided honesty would serve them better. 
"Yes, she's a telepath. So's the cub, but 
she's too young to be of any danger to you. She can't even talk yet." 

"The device round her wrist, what is it?" Kezule asked as, keeping to the other side of the workbench, he 
approached 
Dzaka to pick up the bracelet. 

"It's called a damper. It prevents others picking her thoughts up. All children with a Talent wear it to 
protect the adults from their random thoughts. Kitra wears one, but hers is adjustable and can be taken 
off. The children's 
can't." 

"Then we are private." 

Dzaka nodded. "Yes." Suddenly he found himself being held by the throat. 

Kezule slowly tightened the pressure, letting his claws prick into the back of Dzaka's neck for emphasis. 
"Don't ever lie to me," hissed Kezule. "If I discover you have lied, it will not be you I beat, it will be your 
female. Are we private in here?" 

"Yes!" Dzaka could hardly speak. Then, just as suddenly, he was released. Massaging his throat, he 
began to back away from the Valtegan. How the hell had he moved so fast? 

"You have nothing to fear if you are honest with me," said Kezule, going back up the lab to where a 
toolbox lay open. He sat down on the stool there and began to examine the collar's control bracelet more 
closely. "Bring me the female's damper now while she still sleeps," he ordered. "I will disable it, then she 
will not be tempted to turn it off. Once I have done that, I will tell this Clan leader she is safe." 

* * * 


Konis stiffened suddenly before leaping to his feet. "Ki-tra's gone in with Kezule!" he said, his voice 
barely above a whisper. "Rhyasha agreed to a truce and to give him supplies. Kitra ran in when Kezule 
was taking them. I've got to go there, Lijou, be with her!" 

Konis stiffened suddenly before leaping to his feet. "Ki-tra's gone in with Kezule!" he said, his voice 
barely above a whisper. "Rhyasha agreed to a truce and to give him supplies. Kitra ran in when Kezule 
was taking them. I've got to go there, Lijou, be with her!" 

CHAPTER 16 

VANNA stroked Brynne's forehead gently with her fingertips. 
His breathing was light now, he'd be 
waking soon. She'd never considered the possibility of him being exposed to any danger before. Unlike 
Carrie and Kusac, he'd spent more time in Valsgarth town than on the estate. She'd gotten 
used to him 
leading an almost charmed life. 

As she closed the door quietly behind her, she heard raised voices in the next room. Angrily she walked 
down the corridor and flung the door open. 

"What the hell's going on?" she demanded. "This is a medical unit, people are trying to recover here!" She 
found herself facing the Head Priest of the Brotherhood. "Master Lijou!" she stammered. 

"You're quite right," he said. "Sister Jissoh is just leaving." 

The Sister, her jaw set in a hard line, briefly inclined her head in his direction before stalking out, tail 
flicking angrily. 

"May I introduce…" he began, but was cut short by the female sitting on the bed. 

"Keeza Lassah," she said, standing up. "And who are you?" She looked Vanna over with a manner the 
other found insulting. 

Seeing Jurrel hovering to one side, she put two and two together. She could feel her pelt start to rise on 
her neck and shoulders. "I'm Brynne's Leska," she snarled, voice deepening with her underlying rumble of 
anger. "You're the one who shot him. Do you realize you put not only his life at risk, but mine and my 
unborn cub's, too? But then, I don't suppose that you'd care about that! Life is pretty cheap to someone 
like you!" 

"Hold on a minute, Vanna," began Lijou, stepping toward her. 

Keeza thrust herself in front of him. "Just what do you mean by that?" 

"What's the count so far? Since the Pack Lord, two soldiers 
and almost my Leska! Pretty good going 
for someone who's officially dead, don't you think?" 

Keeza began to growl deep in her throat as, around her face, her hair began to bush out in response. 

Jurrel moved quickly, placing himself squarely between them, his back to Vanna. "Keeza, she's pregnant. 
The accident 
scared her, that's all," he said quietly, grasping her by the arm and shielding her from the 
physician. 

"Damned right I'm scared," snapped Vanna, trying to push Jurrel aside. "Scared that this murderer tries it 
again! I want her out of here and off the estate, d'you hear me? Keep her away from my Leska!" 

"Vanna, you're being unreasonable," said Lijou, putting an arm across her shoulders and forcing her away 


from them. "She cannot be held responsible for her actions at Shanagi. Jurrel told you she was being 


slowly poisoned by Kezule's bite and the herb he used on the food." 
"Stop defending her, she's a killer, for the Gods' sake!" snarled the enraged Vanna, trying to twist free. 
"She was forcing you at gun point to tell her what you'd done! Nothing's 
changed! Even if she isn't 
responsible for the guards, she still killed the Pack Lord! Someone like her sees violence 
as the answer 
to everything!" 


"Someone like what, Vanna?" asked Brynne quietly from the doorway. "You know nothing about her. 
You're making assumptions, just as the telepath at her trial did. Tell them, Keeza," he said, holding onto 
the doorframe for support. "You've got a reason to clear your name now. Our cub." 


Jurrel abruptly let go of Keeza to go to Brynne's aid. 
Vanna froze. "Your cub?" 
"You shouldn't have gotten up," said Jurrel, slipping his shoulder under Brynne's. 
Clutching his bandaged side, with his friend's help, Brynne limped across the room to Keeza's bed. "I 


heard these two squabbling like kits," he said, gasping in pain as Jurrel helped him sit down. "I had to 


come." 
Blood was beginning to seep through his bandage as he reached for Keeza's hand. "I told you the truth, 
Jurrel," he said, as the Brother knelt to check his dressing. "She only killed in self-defense." 


"Keeza? Is this true?" asked Lijou, steering the stunned Vanna toward the room's only chair. 
"Let them think what they want of me," she said, her voice harsh. "It's done. They got what they wanted, 


a murder 
conviction. Only one person other than Brynne believed 
in me without proof, the Brother who 
came to the prison for me. That's enough." 
"L'Seuli?" said Lijou in surprise. "He knows? Why did you offer no defense? You said nothing at your 


trial." 
She returned his look with a steady one of her own but said nothing. 
"I'll tell them," said Brynne, clasping Keeza's hand more tightly as his face began to turn pale. 
"No!" said Keeza. "Let it be, Brynne. My name's dead anyway. I'll take your Clan's as is my right as 


your life-mate. I'll be Keeza Aldatan." Lifting her chin, she glowered challengingly across the room at 
Vanna. 
"He's in shock," said Lijou, noticing Brynne's color. "You should be lying down, Brynne." 
"I'll see to him," said Jurrel firmly, going round the other side of the bed to pull back the covers. 


"Life-mate?" Vanna echoed. He'd taken her as his life-mate? 
"Tell Master Sorli he needs to give the Court telepaths a shake-up, Father," said Brynne as Jurrel, with 
Keeza's help, eased him onto the bed. "They didn't even recognize a latent talent in her. She hid the truth 
from them." 


"Enough, Brynne!" said Keeza, straightening up and trying 
to pull away from him, but he grasped her 
hand again and held it firm in his. 



"You have Garras, Vanna, and his cub on the way. I've made my choices, accept them as I accepted 
your mate. Gratifying though it should be, I don't want the two of you fighting over me again. At least give 
Keeza a chance." 

"You have Garras, Vanna, and his cub on the way. I've made my choices, accept them as I accepted 
your mate. Gratifying though it should be, I don't want the two of you fighting over me again. At least give 
Keeza a chance." 

"I'm going to look into this matter, Keeza," said Lijou. 

"You were determined to keep your own identity a few minutes ago. If I can prove your innocence, will 
you let me clear your name?" 

"Let him, for our cub if not for yourself," said Brynne quietly, tugging at her till she sat down beside him. 
"Keeza Lassah is who you are, not Ghaysa, or any other name the Brotherhood might give you." 

"It could prevent another—next time perhaps fatal—injustice 
from happening," said Lijou. 

Keeza closed her eyes and leaned back against Brynne, hiding her face against his chest. Even Vanna 
picked up her memories of that last terrifying night in her cell, when she'd faced the certainty of her 
execution. Then L'Seuli had come for her with his offer of a pardon. She understood 
now what had 
made Keeza accept the Brotherhood's terrible offer, and why they'd made it. 

Brynne looked over to Lijou and nodded. 

Vanna got to her feet. "Perhaps I judged her too quickly," she said, her voice low. "But I was afraid for 
you, Brynne, and angry with her for risking our lives." 

He nodded again. "It's all right, Vanna. I understand." His voice was quiet, very quiet. "I'd like to rest 
now, if you don't mind." 

* * # 

"No wonder Konis was in no fit state to help you," said Rhyaz compassionately. 

"I have restored all Keeza's memories, but it occurred to me that during this crisis, her knowledge of 
Kezule could be vital, so I asked her if she'd agree to wait till this is over. She agreed, and her help has 
already been of enormous 
value. General Kezule is first and foremost a soldier. He prides himself on 
meeting his responsibilities and being fair. Because Rhyasha gave her word to him, the cub and Kitra are 
now his responsibility. Provided Dzaka plays it straight and does nothing underhanded, they should all be 
safe—until Kezule realizes returning to his own time is impossible." 

"Good thinking. I'll have Keeza's background thoroughly investigated, and pass on to Master Sorli 
Brynne's comments 
about the trial telepath, and speak to L'Seuli. Now that you mention it, I remember 
him being concerned about Keeza at the time, but he never said anything to me. If an injustice has been 
done, then thank the Gods it was Keeza we chose. At least she's still alive. Meanwhile, have Garras and 
Ni'Zulhu cut the estate off from all incoming and outgoing transmissions and visitors. Isolate yourselves, 
except from the Stronghold operational frequency," said Rhyaz. "We don't want Raiban getting wind of 
this and trying to march in and take over." 

"Already done. Ni'Zulhu wants to force an entry to the lab but Garras has overruled him. For now, he 
wants to do it Kezule's way." 

"Get Garras to try negotiating with Kezule. See if there's anything else he'll accept. I wish I felt confident 
enough to tell the Aldatans that Carrie's safe, but until the Profit arrives 
at Haven, I daren't risk raising 


their hopes. How are they coping?" 

their hopes. How are they coping?" 

"Tell him we're in negotiation with Valtegans and we'll give him safe passage to their ship," said Rhyaz. 
"He might just fall for it." 

"We aren't in negotiation yet." 

"I know that, Lijou, but we already know who they want, and we will be in a couple of days' time. Lie 
for now! Hell, even if we have to hand him over to save the hostages, it's worth it! We were getting 
damned little information out of him anyway." 

"I'll tell Garras." 

"Are you sure Keeza's no danger to you? She's not still protecting Kezule, is she?" 

"Absolutely not. I told you how she and Brynne came to meet. There was no way it could have been 
planned, Rhyaz. Besides, Brynne would know about it by now." 

"I'll take your word for it. Stay in touch, Lijou. And, well done." 

"Rhyaz, I need to talk to Kha'Qwa," said Lijou awkwardly. 
"Our cub's due in just over three weeks." 

"That soon? I'm sorry, Lijou. This is a bad time for you to be away from here. I saw Kha'Qwa a couple 
of hours ago, she's fine. I'll get her to call you in an hour, how's that?" 

"I'd be grateful." 

* * * 

Day 39 

The sound of pattering feet and a strange yet familiar scent drew Kusac's eyes to the door. Coming 
toward him was the alien he'd seen just before he'd been shot. Slightly over three feet tall, it wore an 
assortment of colored strips of transparent gauzy material that hung from a band above its broad hips. Its 
bronze-colored limbs were spindly, the joints large, and the three-toed feet wide and splayed. The 
stick-thin arms were bent across its body, hands held up near its face, the three long fingers moving 
restlessly. 

Kusac looked higher, seeing the large eyes with their strange dual lenses. Below them, at the lower end 
of the oval head, was a small mouth with quivering mandibles. Round its neck it wore more of the bright 
strips, and as it drew closer, it brought with it a cloud of scented air. 

Beside it walked a Valtegan, the skin a slightly darker green than that of the commander he'd seen earlier. 
This one's skull was totally smooth, but around the eyes and across the cheeks were bands of iridescent 
skin. 

They stopped a few feet from his bedside, and he saw that the Valtegan carried a metal tray. Despite the 
many short periods of sleep he kept having, he was still exhausted, 
but he forced himself to concentrate 
on his visitors. 
This must be the treatment the commander had spoken about. 


"I'm Doctor Zayshul and this is my colleague, Kzizysus. He's a TeLaxaudin, and our medical 
bio-engineer. We'll be looking after you until we reach our destination." 

"I'm Doctor Zayshul and this is my colleague, Kzizysus. He's a TeLaxaudin, and our medical 
bio-engineer. We'll be looking after you until we reach our destination." 

"Yes," said Zayshul, her tone pleased. "We're going to get you fit to rejoin your own people. The 
TeLaxaudin design and make the implants for us, so he'll be adjusting that for you under an anesthetic." 

"You're different from the commander." 

Her visible skin darkened, turning almost black. "Of course. You were on Keiss. You've only met 
M'zullian males. And Kezule. I'm one of the female members of our crew. How did you get hold of 
Kezule?" 

"Our God gave him to us, in the temple in the plains." He could remember telling J'koshuk that. "It was 
ruined, there were ancient devices…" He let his voice trail off tiredly, hoping she'd not pursue it. A female 
Valtegan, sentient 
and almost friendly. He'd be past being surprised now, if he could feel any emotions 
at all. 

She lifted a device from the tray and reached out to apply it to his neck. "This will relax you, make you 
sleep for a short time. The procedure isn't painful, but it is unpleasant, 
I'm afraid." 

He reached up to stay her hand. "He said you put the implant in because I had seizures." 

"I wasn't present when you were awakened, I'm afraid, but Doctor Chy'qui said that's what happened. 
You were a telepath, weren't you?" 

Past tense. "Yes." 

"The doctor tells me the implant has neutralized that ability because it was threatening your life. There's a 
lot to be grateful for, though. At least he saved your life." 

Either she was lying, or telling what she thought to be the truth. When J'koshuk first took him, he could 
use his Talent, if he was willing to endure the pain. When he awoke after that first time, his mind had been 
quiet until J'koshuk had gone to Carrie. Then, for a brief moment, his Talent had returned. Even now, a 
tiny portion of it remained, 
but not telepathy. 

A humming sound seemed to come from the TeLaxaudin. 
An electronic voice began to speak in Sholan. 
"Begin we cannot until hand remove. That shouldn't he be able doing." 

Kusac let his hand fall back on his lap, realizing he might have given himself away. "I'm tired," he said, 
closing his eyes. 

He felt the faint sting of the hypo, then the surge of the drug rushing to his brain. Lassitude and nausea 
gripped him, and he knew immediately what he'd been given. La'quo. Shock made him fling his arms out, 
hands grasping the sides of the bed. Didn't they know what it did to Sho-lans? He couldn't tell them he 
knew what it was because it would betray a knowledge of their past that he'd been denying. He tried to 
remember more about the drug. It caused hallucinations, and the images seen depended on the state of 
mind at the time it was administered. Kaid had fought the stronger narcotic version Ghezu had given him. 
He'd only taken the weaker sap when they'd traveled back to the Fire Margins. This had to be the 
narcotic version. 

The hypersensitivity began to build. He could feel every hair in his pelt, could hear the blood surging 
through his body. He focused on that, trying to slow it down, then realized it was futile. The drug had 


already reached his brain. Now he felt light-headed and disembodied, and the particles of the 
TeLaxaudin's scent hurt his nostrils—his lungs felt as if he were breathing in perfumed fire. It hadn't 
worked this fast with the plant extract. 

already reached his brain. Now he felt light-headed and disembodied, and the particles of the 
TeLaxaudin's scent hurt his nostrils—his lungs felt as if he were breathing in perfumed fire. It hadn't 
worked this fast with the plant extract. 

Even though he was back home now, Brynne was bored. Though not confined to bed, he was expected 
to rest and, between them, Jurrel and Keeza were making sure he did. However, Father Lijou was in the 
next room talking to Keeza, Jurrel was busy downstairs, and he'd been left to his own devices. He 
remembered talking to Father Lijou several days earlier about his ability to travel mentally in space, and it 
had been suggested that he try to see if he could reach Kaid on the Profit when he felt up to it. Now 
would be as good a time as any to try. 

He lay back against the pillows, and starting with his ankles, he began to relax each pair of muscle 
groups. Gradually, 
he felt himself growing heavier as his mind began to drift and reality began to fade. 
He let his mind roam, heading 
out into the darkness of space toward Jalna. As he began to think of 
Kaid, Kusac came to mind. 

The sudden brightness of the white-tiled room almost blinded him. Blinking, he saw before him a bed, 
with two alien figures bending over the occupant. One was definitely a Valtegan; as for the other, he'd 
never seen its like before. Bronze in color, it most nearly resembled some outlandish humanoid 
grasshopper. This wasn't the Profit, he realized, it was the Prime ship. Why was he here? He thought 
they'd all escaped. Then he remembered Kusac was still missing. 

He moved closer, needing to see the figure on the bed. The black pelt showed up starkly amid the white 
sheets. It was, indeed, Kusac, and the insectlike alien was doing something to the side of his neck. 

Something nudged at his mind, but the scene in front of him was what he needed to focus on, so he 
ignored it. The nudging became more insistent, until he realized it was Kusac he was "hearing." 

Everything moved more slowly when he was far-seeing, and it seemed an age before he could turn 
round, but there was nothing behind him save the other wall of the hospital 
room. 

Brynne! In Vartra's name, listen to me, Brynne! 

Kusac? Straining to hear him, he turned again, looking back at the still form lying in the bed. What are 
they doing to you? 

I don't know. When the Primes woke me, they said I had had seizures, so they used an implant to 
stop them. They took our ship, and the Valtegan one from Keiss that attacked us. They want a 
treaty with us against those who destroyed our colonies. 

I know. We had a message from Kaid. They're safe on their way to Haven. 

Thank the Gods they're safe! We're heading for Haven. Warn Kaid. I don't trust them. They used 
one of them, a red-robed priest, to question me—the one who tortured Carrie's 
twin. They know 
about Kezule. I think they want him. I'm to be returned to you there, they say. The implant, they 
control it and me. They said it had neutralized my Talent. I can't send any more. Tell Kaid to be on 
his guard, even with me. 

But you're sending now! 

They gave me la'quo. It loosens your bonds in space and time. It's how we traveled back to 


Vartra, how Kaid visited and spoke to Carrie in our Shrine when he was imprisoned in Stronghold 

Vartra, how Kaid visited and spoke to Carrie in our Shrine when he was imprisoned in Stronghold 
. 
Your thoughts are beginning to fade, Kusac! I must be waking. Warn them, Brynne. Then he was 
gone, and as Brynne looked at the bed, he saw Kusac move, his body beginning to go into convulsions. 


Shock sent him spinning backward, away from the room and Kusac, into the utter darkness of deep 
space. Fear filled him and he began to panic as he realized he hadn't returned 
to his body. He tried to 
turn round, to see what lay behind him, in the hope that at least he'd see some distant stars, but there was 
nothing: the darkness was so complete he couldn't even tell if he had turned round. 


His panic grew as he tried to move and realized that here he had no body, there was only him, an 
awareness of identity 
and self. He tried to call out in the faint hope that someone would hear him, but if 
he made a sound, he could not hear it. Panic escalated to hysteria and fear to sheer terror as he realized 
he was utterly trapped in this dark prison. 


"For him too much fast change. Keep sedate. Little by little we do. Implants not for Sholans. Dangerous 
is. Wrong Chy'qui insists," grumbled the small TeLaxaudin as, his patient 
finally properly sedated, he 
began again. 


"Are you telling me Chy'qui insisted you fit the implant? He said it was one you'd adapted for the Sholan." 
He looked up at her. "No adapting. All same." 
"Can you remove it?" asked Zayshul, doubt about Chy'qui 
entering her mind for the first time. 
"Maybe, not maybe. Never this asked. First try on him advise not. Weeks take. Try first on animals." 
"That's no use. He has to go back in exchange for Prince Zsurtul in two or three days." 
"Anyway do. Experiment useful. Worry not. Control himself by then." He stood up, looking at her, 


mandibles quivering. "Sleep tapes start you now." 
"At least he's shown he's strong-minded, able to resist the implant. It should be easier to free him from it. 


Can we accelerate his healing? J'koshuk left him covered in bruises, deep cuts, and scratches. I want 
those gone before the exchange." 
"Interferes not with work of mine." 
"I'll go fetch something. Chy'qui isn't to be allowed near him, remember. Commander's orders, Kzizysus." 
"Heard." Satisfied, she left for the dispensary. 
Jurrel scratched on the door to the den. A moment later, Father Lijou opened it. 
"It's Brynne, Father," he said. "Can you come and look at him? There's something wrong with him. I can't 


wake him." 


Lijou frowned. "You're a paramedic, Jurrel. Your knowledge 
of medical matters is far greater than 
mine." 
"I don't think it's a medical problem, Father. When I touch him, I'm usually aware of him mentally. Now I 


feel nothing. It's as if he's in a very deep trance." 
Lijou turned to speak to Keeza. 



"I heard," she said, joining them. "I'm coming with you." 

"I heard," she said, joining them. "I'm coming with you." 

Heart racing, still gasping for breath, he grabbed hold of Jurrel, holding onto him for dear life. 

You're back safely with us, Brynne, sent Father Lijou. 

The calming presence of the priest in his mind, and the familiar scent and feel of Jurrel holding him, helped 
fight back the fear that had overwhelmed him in the darkness. Keeza's hand touched his head, stroking 
back his hair. Gradually his breathing slowed and he was able to let go of Jurrel. 

A towel was given to him, and he wiped his sweating face with it, discovering his hands were still far from 
steady. 

"What happened, Brynne? What were you doing?" asked Lijou quietly, as Keeza took the towel from 
him and handed him a mug of water. 

He accepted it gratefully, taking a long drink before handing it back to her. "I tried far-seeing to the 
Profit," he said. "And I got trapped. I couldn't get back." Keeza leaned against him, making soft, purring 
sounds of encour-agement, as he began to shiver at the memory. "How did you get me back?" he asked. 
"Where was I?" 

"Only within your own mind," said Lijou reassuringly. "What did you see that caused you such distress?" 

He reached for Jurrel's hand, needing the extra reassurance 
that he was really back in his own home on 
Shola. 

"I didn't go to the Profit," he said quietly. "I saw Kusac, on the Valtegan ship." 

After talking to Brynne, Lijou borrowed the on-duty staff lounge to contact Rhyaz. He'd just activated 
the comm when a call came through from his co-leader. 

"I know about them wanting Kezule," Lijou said, and proceeded to update him on what Brynne had seen 
and heard. 

"I'll contact Kaid immediately," said Rhyaz. "You get Garras to put the Primes' offer to Kezule now, if he 
hasn't already. The Brotherhood needs Kusac back, Lijou. He and his Triad, they're figureheads for us, 
we can't afford to lose them. We have to get Kezule out of that lab as soon as possible." 

"I know we need Kusac," said Lijou tiredly, trying not to think of what the young male must have gone 
through at the hands of the priest, or that he might be permanently mind-dead. "At least we have full 
confirmation of Brynne's visions now, enough even for you. Detailed down to the fact of the red robe of 
this J'koshuk." 

"I need to be skeptical of visions, Lijou, just as you need to be susceptible to them. That's the difference 
between our roles in the Brotherhood," Rhyaz said quietly. "I didn't say that I personally doubted them. 
I'm giving Kaid the authority to decide whether or not to accept this treaty." 

Surprised, Lijou asked, "Why?" 

Rhyaz hesitated. "Let's just say I had a broad hint from the God that this was none of my concern." 


* * * 

* * * 
. 
"How d'you feel?" asked Dzaka quietly, taking hold of her other hand reassuringly. 
"My head aches," she said, opening her eyes and looking up at him. "What happened?" 
"The trolley and you hit the wooden workbench. You took one look at Kezule and passed out. You've 


been out for some time. Kitra, you took a hell of a risk rushing in like that. Kezule could have shot you, 


thinking it was an attack." 
"Your female's awake," observed Kezule, looking up from the workbench. "Good. I've finished the 
bracelet." 


"Huh?" asked Kitra. 


"Don't talk to him unless he asks you something," said Dzaka, keeping his voice low. 


"Why not?" She reached up to touch the collar around his neck. "It was for you. Why?" 


"It was what they used on telepaths in his time. It activates his bracelet and warns him if a telepath is 


trying to use his Talent. Then he can send a shock through the collar." 
A horrified look crossed her face. "But you're not a telepath!" 
"It's safer than the alternative. I know what he's capable of, Kitra." 
"I'm going to test the bracelet," Kezule said. "It will be painful, but I will keep it short. Consider it only a 


taste of what you'll feel if either you or she disobey me." 


As he spoke, a searing pain flowed through Dzaka's body. Crying out, he fell to the floor. As abruptly as 
it had started, it stopped, leaving him moaning and gasping for breath. 
Kitra yowled in fear, leaping down to his side, trying to cradle him in her arms. 
"Don't touch me," Dzaka gasped, flinching away from her. "It still hurts." 
"Just a demonstration," said Kezule, slipping the bracelet on. "I can intensify the pain, and make it last as 


long as I wish. He will tell you the rules while you get food and drink for the three of you." 
Dzaka could sense Kitra readying herself to shout her anger at Kezule. Despite the pain, he reached out, 


grasping her arm with his unsheathed claws, making her start. "No! He means what he says. I can't take 
that again, Kitra." 
On the other camp bed, Kashini had awakened and was mewling in distress. 
"Don't antagonize him, for Kashini's sake, if not mine." he whispered, trying to push himself up on his still 


shaking 
limbs. 


Kitra steadied him as he got back onto the camp bed. "I'll see to Kashini. You're not up to it," she said as 
he collapsed on his side. 
Going over to the cub, Kitra untied the rope and set her down on the floor, holding her hand as they 


walked slowly back to Dzaka. As Kashini climbed up to sit with him, Kezule spoke again. 



"I said eat now. Unless you want to miss the meal altogether?" 

"I said eat now. Unless you want to miss the meal altogether?" 

"The food's in the cupboards on the far wall, behind Kezule," said Dzaka, as Kashini cuddled up to him, 
making crooning noises as she stroked his face. 

Giving Kezule a wide berth, she went over to the cupboards 
and dug around in them choosing three 
self- heating field ration meals. Finding a box of Kashini's cereal biscuits, she took it, too. Grabbing three 
spoons, she headed back to them. 

A wrist comm buzzed and Kezule answered it. 

"General, there's no point you sitting in there waiting for the Aldatans to return. They're lost, we don't 
know where they are. But we've made contact with a ship belonging to your people. They're from 
K'oish'ik, your Emperor's world, and they've offered to take you on board. Will you accept this? We 
guarantee you safe passage to them," said Garras. 

"I don't believe you. I've told you, I wish to return to my own time. I'll wait for the Aldatans." 

"They're missing, probably dead, Kezule. We couldn't return you to your own time, even if they weren't. 
The way back has been destroyed." 

"Stop bothering me with your lies and fictitious offers," Kezule hissed. "I will wait, or I will get the two I 
have to take me back." Cutting the connection angrily, he glowered over at Kitra and Dzaka. "Is it true? 
Are they missing?" 

"Yes," said Dzaka. "They failed to make a scheduled transmission five weeks ago. No one can find a 
trace of them." 

Kezule picked up one of the green resin stones. "Then you will take me," he said. 

"We can't take you," said Dzaka. "It took three powerful 
telepaths, my father and the Aldatans, to go 
back to your time. I'm not even a telepath, and Kitra's barely more than a child." 

Kezule looked over at her. "She's your female, so she's of breeding age. That makes her an adult. As for 
you, what's the difference? You have a mind talent." 

"I can't read minds! I only know how people feel," he said in desperation. "Telepaths are far more 
powerful than me." 

Kezule bared his teeth and hissed in rage. "Again I must deal with females! What worm has eaten into the 
minds of your kind to allow them such freedom?" 

"It's the way it is with us, General," said Dzaka. "Females 
are our equals, different from us but never 
inferior. We value their differences." 

"The female takes charge then," snarled Kezule, getting up to go to the cupboards for a bowl. "I care not 
which of you does it, so long as it's done. I have the drag we need." 

"But I can't do it," wailed Kitra. "I don't know how or where to go! Without that knowledge, we could all 
die." 

"I know. I will tell you," said Kezule angrily. "No more discussion. I will make up the drug now. You'll 
eat and feed the child, then get ready to sleep." 


* * * 

* * * 

Another loud spat had just died down when the doorbell buzzed. Relieved to have something to do, 
Mara went to answer it. It was Toueesut, accompanied by his swarm of males. At least, she assumed 
they were the males. She still couldn't tell the two sexes apart. 

"Mara of the bright singing, we have heard of your troubles 
and come to you with offerings of help for 
you all," he said before she could open her mouth. "The small ones they were trying to see within our hive 
when they were apprehended by this most deceitful of persons, who now holds two of your people deep 
in the mountain of diggings. Our ladies have said they would wish to have the little ones and their mother 
come and see inside our hive, then their curiosity will not cause them to do foolish things again and put 
their safety at risk. This is not as a reward for getting caught by the deceitful one but as a help to their 
mother, who must be suffering greatly with the worries. This our ladies are fully understanding and would 
dike to ease her burden of responsibility and remove a temptation from her little ones' lives." 

Though the barrage of singsong words took her by surprise, 
out of habit, Mara was able to focus her 
mind almost instantly on what Toueesut was saying. 

"You're inviting the children and Ruth over to visit?" she hazarded. 

Six bristly whiskered heads bobbed in enthusiastic unison. 

"That's very kind of you, but I don't know if…" 

"Excuse us please, we will deliver our invitation," said one of the others, slipping past Mara into the 
house. 

Too surprised to do anything but turn and stare, she saw the other four Touibans quickly surge past her, 
leaving her and Toueesut alone on the doorstep. 

"Uh. Would you like to come in?" she said, realizing as she said it that it was a little late. 

Toueesut grinned from ear to ear. "Of a certainty," he said, darting past her. 

Aware that Josh was deriving great amusement from her surprised reactions, she shut the door, feeling 
the proverbial 
horse had not only bolted but taken its own tack with it for later. 

Mara found Ruth surrounded by the swarm of Touibans, being verbally assaulted from all sides by trilling 
riffs of sound. She looked across to Mara with a totally bemused expression on her face. 

"Mara, what are they saying?" 

"It seems their wives have invited you and the kids over for a visit…" 

"And much eating, drinking, and pleasure in each other's company," added one of the others. 

"… and a meal," added Mara. "They're doing this for you because they understand how worried you are, 
and it will satisfy Daira's and Mandy's curiosity about them." 

"That'll really scupper their plans to creep out at night and spy on the neighbors again once the fuss has 


died down," said Josh, picking up Ruth's cardigan and going over to hand it to her. "Think of it, Ruth. 
Where's the fun in sneaking out at night to see into a house you've already been invited to look around? I 
know you'll have a great time. Don't worry about us, we'll see to our own dinner tonight." 

died down," said Josh, picking up Ruth's cardigan and going over to hand it to her. "Think of it, Ruth. 
Where's the fun in sneaking out at night to see into a house you've already been invited to look around? I 
know you'll have a great time. Don't worry about us, we'll see to our own dinner tonight." 

"Woah! Touibans in our house! Wait till the others hear about this!" said Daira, claws gripping the carpet 
as he skidded to a halt. 

"How many times have I told you not to do that?" demanded 
Ruth. "You're digging holes in my carpets, 
young man!" 

"It's better than that," said Mara, grabbing hold of the young Sholan with one hand and Mandy with the 
other and pushing them toward the door. "You've been invited to visit them for dinner. Best behavior, 
mind, and don't give your mother any more grief, you hear me?" 

"Yes, Mara," they chorused as two of the Touibans detached 
themselves from the group surrounding 
Ruth and headed for them. 

Mara opened the door as the other two, fingers twined in Ruth's hand and in the cardigan that hung from 
her arm, began to shepherd her out. She ignored the pleading look Ruth gave her. 

Think of the honor, Ruth. You're the only folk other than Rhyasha and me to be invited into their 
hive, and to dine with them. You're a family ambassador, paving the way for other such social 
gatherings. 

Mara! How can you spout such claptrap? Ruth sent reprovingly. 

Okay. You need the break, and frankly, so do we and the kids, sent Josh. You've carried on at them 
too long, Ruth. Go enjoy yourselves. I wasn't joking about the visit removing 
the temptation for 
them to go nocturnal spying again. 

Mara gave a wave and shut the door firmly with a deep sigh of relief, then turned to find that Toueesut 
was still there. "Oh, I'm sorry," she said, going to open it again. 

"No, no. I have more help to give you," he said. "Understanding 
I am of these tellings off. When you 
have six mothers very intense it gets." 

"Gods, six mothers!" said Mara, trying to imagine it. "I suppose you did. My mother and I never really 
got on," she said awkwardly. 

"Ah, a sadness this is for you," he said, face creasing in sympathy as his hand took her free one and 
began to gently massage it in comfort. "More help we bring as I am saying. At the landing port we have 
our ship. Knowing I am that you will be needing one shortly, one of great speed and fastness. Augmented 
ours is by the Chemerians and one of the best around." He gave her a sly look, eyes twinkling. "Sholan 
craft good, as are Touiban, but Chemerians have tricks or six up their sleeves for civilian craft, and our 
hive can take advantage of them as we are in a financial position to do so. I sent for our craft a while ago, 
and now it is here but is not allowed access to your estate. Needing permission 
to land it is, then it and 
the pilot Captain Shaayi-yisis a Sumaan of friendly demeanor are at the disposal of your people." 

She looked over to Josh and he nodded, going off to the lounge to call Father Lijou. 

"Toueesut," she said slowly, "I'm sure your offer will be greatly appreciated, but how do you know so 
much about what's going on? We've not excluded you from information," 
she added hastily, "only tried 


to make sure you and your people haven't been put at any risk from this Valtegan." 

to make sure you and your people haven't been put at any risk from this Valtegan." 

"I don't know what to say," she murmured, aware that the Touiban had just told her he considered 
himself and his swarm Sholan in all but shape. 

"Then the matter is settled. Going home I must be lest I am the one getting the tellings off from six wives!" 
He pulled a wry face, mustache bristling, and tugging the door open, left. A gentle scent of flowers and 
desert springs remained 
behind him. 

Josh returned to find her leaning against the door, a faraway 
look on her face. He touched her face in a 
Sholan gesture, bringing her back to reality. "They never cease to amaze us, do they?" he said. "Father 
Lijou is contacting the gatehouse to allow the ship to land—somewhere. We don't even know how big it 
is." 

The air was filled with a deep whine and a shadow fell across the windows. Mara opened the door and 
looked up. "I don't think it's going to be landing," she said faintly. 

Josh looked out. "No problem," he said, watching as the craft passed over the village toward the 
excavation site, its shadow gradually following. "One that size will just hover there till we need it." 

* * * 

Yesterday had been their Link day, but it had been a tense and awkward time for both of them as they 
tried to conceal from each other their deepest fears and emotions. By some stroke of luck, Carrie's 
damper, along with her other possessions that had been brought from the Hkari-yash, was still in the 
locker store where Kaid had left it. Their dampers had helped, a little. When Kaid woke that morning, he 
was almost grateful to find he was alone. Her mental presence was there, but not intruding. 

He went to the mess, expecting to find her there, but apart from Rezac, it was empty. A faint disquiet 
began to stir within him then, but he pushed it aside. Carrie obviously 
wanted to be alone right now, and 
he'd respect her wishes. 

Having chosen something from the food dispenser, he joined Rezac at the table. 

"You look tired," said Rezac, pulling a stim twig from the pack in front of him. "I guess you had a bad 
day." 

Kaid glanced up at him. "Bad day?" 

Rezac nodded. "They happen from time to time. When you've had a fight to end all others, it can't be 
quickly put aside just because it's your Link day. It has to be resolved. And of course, everything's 
heightened then. This shorter jump's not helping anyone either. Tempers are getting frayed, even among 
Tirak's crew. Giyesh and Jeran just clawed some fur off each other." His mouth split in a slight grin. "It'll 
heal. They don't usually stay out of sorts for long." 

Kaid grunted and began attacking his food. 

"Zashou and I've been Linked for more than three years," Rezac continued, nibbling the end of his twig. 
"I might be able to help." 


"Who says we have a problem?" Kaid said around his mouthful. 

"Who says we have a problem?" Kaid said around his mouthful. 

Kaid heard him out in silence. It had been on his mind for the last few days. "I used to wonder about you 
when I was a cub," he said, pushing some more food onto his fork. "About the father who was never 
there. I hardly remember my mother. She's just a shadowy figure who was ill, and who eventually sent 
me away." He stopped to put the forkful 
of food in his mouth and chew it. "I wasn't at the monastery 
for long before I met Carrie and my adult self." 

"It must have been hard for you, growing up as an orphan, 
thinking yourself abandoned by both of us," 
said Rezac, lowering his ears. "I swear I didn't know you existed, 
Kaid. Your mother and I were 
together only a few months before the Claws started trying to recruit me. I had to leave her, for her own 
sake." 

Kaid looked up, aware of Rezac's need to be believed. 

"T'Chya. She was called T'Chya. She lived with her family 
in the center of Ranz. I can't honestly say if 
we'd have stayed together had my life been different. I know she wanted that, but I wasn't ready to settle 
down. She was a quiet person, but determined in her own way. Maybe that's why she conceived you," 
he added quietly. 

Kaid remembered the fork poised in front of his mouth. He had a name for his mother at long last. "I 
appreciate you telling me," he said. "And your honesty." 

"There's no point in lying after all this time," said Rezac. "So, what do we do about us, Kaid?" 

It was difficult to suddenly turn around his beliefs and feelings toward the father he'd thought had 
abandoned him and his mother so long ago. But there was a blood connection 
between them that they 
couldn't ignore. For males, the natural emotional link to their cubs was strong: their family was everything 
to them. The solution he'd come up with would mean exposing his origins in the past, but it also meant 
that no one would try to walk the Fire Margins again. 

"Brothers," said Kaid, pushing his empty plate aside. "If we think of ourselves as brothers, then it allows 
us to acknowledge 
the blood tie between us." He felt as well as heard the other's sigh of relief, and 
realized his father had expected to be rejected. 

"Thank you," Rezac said with feeling. "Now, will you let me help you, if I can, with your Link problem? 
I've been where you are now." 

Kaid felt the hairs on his neck and shoulders begin to stir and immediately forced his mind back to 
calmness. Letting anyone get involved with his intimate relationships wasn't going to come easily. He 
reached for his hot drink, nodding 
once. 

Sticking the twig in a corner of his'mouth, Rezac leaned his elbows on the table. "I was with the Claws 
for a good two years before the Telepath program picked me up. Like you, I was a fighter. I'm sure 
nothing much has changed in the Packs, so I don't need to tell you what that meant. I didn't want to be 
with the Claws and resented it and everyone 
around me for making me join, but I couldn't show it. So I 


cut myself off from them all, became good at what I did, just to survive. Then suddenly I was out of it, in 
the protected world of the University at Khalma, where I met Zashou." He fell silent for a minute, taking 
the twig out and reaching for his own drink. 

cut myself off from them all, became good at what I did, just to survive. Then suddenly I was out of it, in 
the protected world of the University at Khalma, where I met Zashou." He fell silent for a minute, taking 
the twig out and reaching for his own drink. 

reacted in the next fight. So when I found myself drawn to Zashou, I thought it a weakness, something 
that would take the edge off me as a warrior. When we Linked, that fear was even worse, especially 
because she hated what I was. I got the female I wanted—body and mind I got her—" he sighed, 
shaking his head. "And resented both it and her for the demands our Link put on me. How could I be a 
fighter when I had to spend every fifth day alone with her as her lover? What kind of fighter is that, for 
the God's sake, I'd ask myself." 

Kaid stirred uncomfortably. Rezac had put his finger right on the pulse of his problem. 

"But you couldn't fight after your Talent was boosted by Vartra." 

"I could control my response better than the others because 
of my past," said Rezac. "It was only after 
the Val-tegans took Zashou and me that we had to learn to cope better with each other. I learned to look 
for the advantages in our Link, rather than the disadvantages. Granted a lot of them were personal," he 
smiled, and Kaid could see the sadness in his eyes. "But there were those that enabled us to do our 
undercover work more efficiently. It's like learning 
to use a new weapon, Kaid. At first it can feel clumsy 
and a liability, but with time you get used to it, and eventually 
wonder how you'd managed without it 
before." 

Even as Kaid frowned at the analogy, he remembered his objections to some of the old-fashioned 
weapons he'd been taught to use in his early days at Stronghold. "So you're saying just have patience." 
Though he found that advice odd coming from Rezac, he said nothing. It was at least reassuring to know 
it wasn't just him who'd felt like this about the female he loved. 

Rezac nodded. "With yourself, and with her. Hell, you're a hundred percent better off than I was," he 
said, sitting up. "Carrie's like you in a lot of ways." 

Kaid raised an eye ridge. 

"A Sister in your Brotherhood, a warrior. Look at the way she handled herself when we escaped, and 
after J'koshuk." 

"Yeah," he said, memories of the many times he'd been proud of her coming to mind. 

"Another reason why yesterday was bad for you," added Rezac very quietly, "is what you found out 
about Kusac." 

Kaid got to his feet abruptly. "I want to talk to everyone about this proposed treaty. Want to help me by 
rounding them up in here while I speak to Tirak about it?" He was not prepared to talk about his 
sword-brother to anyone right now. 

"Sure, but, Kaid," said Rezac, getting up and reaching out to hold him back. "Deal with what you both 
feel about your Link and Kusac soon. It'll only fester the longer it's left." 

"I hear you," he said. "I'll deal with it." 

"So they're offering a nonaggression pact with the Sho-lan Alliance worlds and Kusac, in exchange for 


Kezule, this crown prince we've got, and help against the other two Valtegan worlds," said Tirak. 

Kezule, this crown prince we've got, and help against the other two Valtegan worlds," said Tirak. 

"And you're empowered to sign such a treaty." 

"Theoretically, yes, but that was with the Free Traders. The Alliance wasn't aware of the existence of the 
Primes till now," replied Kaid. 

"It's get into bed with less aggressive, more powerful Valtegans to defeat a bunch of psychotic, 
aggressive ones. A pact with the Liege of Hell," said T'Chebbi from her chair, looking across at Kaid. 

"Yes, it is," he said, returning her gaze. 

"All I can say is that they seem to have been no trouble at Jalna," said Tirak. "And this weapon the 
M'zullians used on your worlds, that should be retrieved and destroyed." 

"But will they destroy it? Or will they use it against the other two worlds, then turn it on us?" asked 
Sheeowl. 

"That's the question," said Kaid. "It could depend on who gets it first." 

There was a knock on the door and Giyesh entered, holding out a printed message for Kaid. "Just come 
in. Said urgent." 

Kaid took it from her, quickly scanning the coded page, then folded it and put it away. "From our HQ. 
The decision on the treaty is being left to me," he said. "And one of our telepaths has managed to contact 
Kusac. He is on the Prime ship and they are heading for Haven. J'koshuk had him in his claws for several 
days. He's in a medical unit now, being prepared for release to us. Zsurtul was right, he has been 
implanted with a device, but he doesn't trust their reason. Frankly, neither do I. He warns us to be 
careful 
of them." 

"Sound advice. What do you intend to do?" 

"I don't know. I want to hear what they have to say first. They know the location of Shola, they could 
have attacked us at any time after their Fall. They also know where Jalna is and visit there occasionally. 
They've caused no trouble for that world, or to your Free Traders. Perhaps they are as peaceful as they 
say. Maybe the risk is minimal and in our minds." 

"When they're out to get you, being afraid isn't paranoid, it's caution," snorted Sheeowl. "Why didn't they 
ask us outright if they wanted our help? Why terrify us half to death by abducting us in ones and twos? 
Why not tell you they'd found Carrie? Why wait till now to tell us they have Kusac, and they've 
experiemented on him, and probably others of us?" 

"How does a society of scientists and intellectuals behave?" 
asked T'Chebbi. 

"Get wrapped up in their research and forget everything else," said Tirak. "They care about knowledge 
and proof of their pet theories, nothing else." 

"Like the Primes," agreed T'Chebbi. "Fact they ask for treaty means they understand the concept. May 
be more dangerous as enemies than friends." 

"I'll wait till I hear what they have to say," said Kaid patiently, "and take all you've said into account." He 
got up. "Thank you for your input. Captain Tirak, you'll see Annuur's kept up to date on this, won't you?" 


He held Rezac back as the others left. "I want to talk to our guest again about some of the issues this 
message raises, and I want you with me. If I'm to decide on the treaty, I want to know a lot more about 
these Primes." 

He held Rezac back as the others left. "I want to talk to our guest again about some of the issues this 
message raises, and I want you with me. If I'm to decide on the treaty, I want to know a lot more about 
these Primes." 

Kaid made use of the mess on the second deck again, but this time, Manesh sat outside in the 
passageway. 
"Are you having enough to eat?" asked Kaid, sitting down with his drink. 
"Yes. I am being fed adequately." 


"What about leisure? Have you been given books?" 
"I have. Your literature is interesting. Tales of battles and heroes, Gods and Goddesses. More exciting 
than what we have in our libraries," said Zsurtul, picking up his drinking 
bowl with both hands. "You 
wish to know more about us, don't you? Then yoti can tell your leaders. Will they make a treaty with us, 
do you think?" 


"That depends," said Kaid. "Your record as a species isn't very good so far." 
"You still hold the far past against us. I feared it might be so." 
"I was actually speaking of your treatment of us on the Kz'adul. Without any explanation, we were taken 


off the M'ijikk at gunpoint by heavily armed soldiers and held captive 
for the Gods' alone know how 
long. Why?" 


"I told you, we'd come for the purpose of meeting you and offering a treaty." 
"Strange way to go about it," said Rezac. "I've seen the Court. Your people are—were—great on 
ceremony. Where were the senior officials to greet us, the tour of the ship, the banquet?" 


"We couldn't greet you like that," said Zsurtul, putting his bowl down. "I told you why. As soon as you 


saw our true nature, you would have refused .us." 
"What is your true nature, Zsurtul?" asked Kaid quietly. "The armored guards, or what you claim, a 
planet of intellectuals 
incapable of defending themselves." 


"You're twisting my words for a meaning I didn't intend," 
Zsurtul complained. "The armor is only to 
protect us, to hide our appearance from others. Our old empire made many enemies and, without our 
warriors, we are vulnerable. 
Because of the look of our ships and our armor, those species we've 
encountered see us as a powerful force to appease, not to make war on." 


"You wear it to intimidate," said Kaid. 


"Oh, it does that, all right," snorted Rezac, pulling his stim twig out from his pocket and sticking it in his 
mouth. 
"You haven't answered my question about why we weren't approached with a treaty offer much earlier 


than this," reminded Kaid. 
"You were. I came with Doctor Zayshul to bring it to you, but you attacked us and took us hostage 
instead." 



Rezac slammed the flat of his hand against the table. "And you took us from our rooms to examine us 
without our consent!" he snarled. 
Zsurtul jumped nervously, his skin beginning to turn pale. "It was only for medical data," he began. 


"It was not," corrected Kaid. "Only our telepaths were taken, and I at least was experimented on." 
Zsurtul looked at him, the flesh round his eyes creasing in a frown. "Experimented on? How could you 
know that?" 


"Gel marks on his temples," said Rezac. "I found them, and he was ill when they brought him back." 
"111?" 
Kaid noticed the sudden tensing of the Valtegan youth's body. This was news to him, news he wasn't 


pleased to hear. 
"Feverlike symptoms with vomiting. We were even given drugs to treat him." 
"No experiments were authorized, I'm sure of it," Zsurtul 
said. "You were only to be examined, nothing 


more." 


"And J'koshuk? What about the experiments on him?" asked Kaid. "He wasn't implanted like the others, 
was he? Someone was using drugs on him instead." 
Zsurtul looked from one to the other uncertainly. "I know little about that," he said. 
"But you were there when I got my mate back, weren't you? I saw you, and you knew me by name. 


What is your position on the Kz'adul, Zsurtul? What do you do?" 


"I'm no crew member," he said, his tone faintly offended. 
"I am the Emperor's heir. I was on the ship as 
his representative, to see that all went smoothly with you, especially…" He faltered to a stop. 
"Go on," said Kaid quietly. "Especially as what?" 
Zsurtul looked away to take hold of his drink again. "One of my Father's advisers was against the 


proposed treaty. When he asked to take up a position as Head of Med Research on the Kz'adul, it was 
thought wise for me to come, too. I don't like Chy'qui," he said in a rush, look-ing up at Kaid. "I was 
against him keeping you and your mate, Carrie, separate once you woke her, as was Doctor Zayshul, but 
Chy'qui's powerful back home and his people in Med Research obey him, not her. It wasn't till J'koshuk 
attacked the Human that I could do anything. Chy'qui was off duty, you see, and Doctor Zayshul wanted 
you fetched but his assistant refused. I was able to contact the commander 
and get him to give the 
orders." 


"That's how you knew she wouldn't be taken again." 
Zayshul nodded. 
"I'd have thought the Enlightened One would easily outrank 
a mere counselor," said Rezac. 
"I'd bet it's your age, isn't it, Zsurtul?" said Kaid. "This Chy'qui encourages others to see you as too 


young to be taken seriously." 
The prince flushed. "I shall be ten in less than a year," he said defensively. 



"Ten!" exclaimed Rezac, sitting up in surprise. "That's not even a youngling!" 


"We mature earlier than your species," said Zsurtul stiffly. "We have much passed on to us genetically, we 
don't need as long a maturation time as you mammals." 
"No wonder their empire was so large," Rezac muttered. "They breed like jeggets." 
"How was this Chy'qui involved with us?" asked Kaid. 
"Chy'qui took charge of you from the first, but he left treating the two injured ones and operating on your 


mate to Doctor Zayshul. He did treat the male who was in the other cryogenic unit." 
"What about Kusac?" asked Kaid, forcing his voice to remain calm. 
"I think he used him to test J'koshuk on. Chy'qui said he had new drugs he wanted to try out on the priest 


to control his aggression. It would be more reliable than the implants," said Zsurtul, faltering to a stop as 
he saw Kaid's ears turn sideward and his pelt start to rise. 


"He did what?" demanded Kaid, as Rezac reached out to grasp his arm in a warning gesture. 
Zsurtul cowered back in his seat, obviously trying to move as far from him as possible without actually 
getting up from his chair. "I didn't know anything about him until after we gave you back your mate! 
Doctor Zayshul had him treated immediately. I went to the commander and demanded you all be 
released once your time with your mind-mate was over and she was recovered enough to leave." 


"You did that?" asked Rezac. "How could you demand anything if no one would listen to you?" 


"The commander listened when I said if he didn't, I wished to speak to my father, because to delay you 
further could endanger the treaty," he said. 
"What were they doing to Kusac?" demanded Kaid. 
"I really know nothing about him other than what I've already told you." 
This Chy'qui must have figured he was Carrie's Leska when they found them both in cryo units, 


sent Rezac. I'll bet part of his experiment was seeing what would happen if he kept him and Carrie 
apart, then you started exhibiting Leska deprivation symptoms and they realized you were a Triad 

. 
"Had Kusac been beaten?" Kaid asked Zsurtul. 
The Prince hesitated. "I believe so." 


In my time, they knew if one of us was hurt, the other suffered the same symptoms. Kusac was 
being tortured to see what effect it would have on you and Carrie, sent Rezac. 

Kaid took a deep breath and forced himself to relax. As his pelt and hair settled down again, he tried to 
remind himself that the Prince had not been responsible for their ill-treatment, quite the reverse in fact. 
How could Kusac have been harmed like that and neither he nor Carrie be aware of it? 

"You said he'd been implanted because of having seizures. 
Who did this to him? Tell me more about this 
implant. 
What does it do?" 

"It would have been Chy'qui who made the decision to use an implant. Your friend's was a special one, 
Doctor Zayshul said. Chy'qui had had it adapted to control his seizures." 


"Do you think he lied about the seizures? Could he have made it up as an excuse to keep our friend 
separate so he could experiment on him?" 

"Do you think he lied about the seizures? Could he have made it up as an excuse to keep our friend 
separate so he could experiment on him?" 

"Who did the tests and questioned us?" demanded Rezac. 

"Chy'qui, of course." Zsurtul realized what he'd said and looked from Rezac to Kaid, eyes widening. "He 
could have lied about asking you." 

"Like he lied about the tests and questioning us. Seems to me that this Chy'qui is playing his own game," 
said Kaid, his throat vibrating with a rumble of anger. "And an alliance 
with us doesn't fit into it at all." 

Afterward, he went to find T'Chebbi. She was in their room, but once again there was no sign of Carrie. 
He began to pace, slowly at first, ears back and tail swaying. From T'Chebbi he didn't need to hide his 
feelings. 

"How's Carrie taking this news of Kusac?" she asked eventually. 

"I don't know, that's the problem. She's not only cut herself off, she's avoiding me. I didn't think she could 
do that!" 

"You forget what she was like in the early days on Shola with Kusac. She knows what you've got to 
decide. It's Var-tra's prophecy, Kaid. She understands. Could just be making 
it easier for you, giving 
you less distractions." 

He stood still, tail lashing from side to side now. "Well, it doesn't," he growled. "It distracts me more not 
knowing where she is and how she's feeling." 

"Why not go find her and tell her that," she suggested gently. "Must be going through hell right now, 
wondering if she's let Kusac down, wondering how he is, blaming herself 
for his state because of your 
Link. Is what you're doing." 

He stared at her, then turned and left the room without saying a word. 

The passenger lounge on the second deck had been empty so Carrie had gone there. Though she'd 
blocked his awareness of her through their Link flow, she was conscious of Kaid and sensed him 
approaching. 

Closing the door behind him, he came and sat beside her. "Been looking for you." 

"I needed some peace," she said, looking up at him. "And you needed to concentrate. You have to 
distance yourself from what we've been through if you're going to make the right decision on this 
proposed treaty." 

His hand moved across the table to cover hers. "I understand 
why, but don't shut me out, Carrie. You 
don't make me weaker, you make me stronger—I admit, I didn't think you would, but you do. We're 
both experiencing the same feelings of guilt, and we shouldn't be. We did what was right." 


"There's no right or wrong to it, Tallinu. We did the only thing there was to do. We survived and we 
escaped. The rest is—incidental." Her hand tightened on his as she relaxed her mind, letting his presence 
return fully, and hers flow back to him. There was still the void where Kusac should be, but it was less 
lonely when shared with Tallinu. 

"There's no right or wrong to it, Tallinu. We did the only thing there was to do. We survived and we 
escaped. The rest is—incidental." Her hand tightened on his as she relaxed her mind, letting his presence 
return fully, and hers flow back to him. There was still the void where Kusac should be, but it was less 
lonely when shared with Tallinu. 

"I wouldn't do that, Tallinu. Whatever happens, our cub is wanted by both of us. You've news of Kusac. 
Tell me." 

He reached inside his jacket, took out the message, and handed it to her; "You'd better read it for 
yourself." 

She read it twice before handing it back. "He tells us not to trust him, that he's being controlled by this 
implant. How?" 

"AH Zsurtul could tell us is that it's adapted to control his seizures. The good news is they intend to give 
him back." 

"They've little choice when they want so much from us. He thinks his Talent is only suppressed, not 
destroyed." 

"His judgment is flawed, Carrie. He's been tortured and drugged. He was full of la'quo when he spoke to 
Brynne. This says Brynne saw him having convulsions. It could be the la'quo. We know we're 
hypersensitive to it now. Or it could be as Zsurtul said—he went into convulsions when they woke him." 

"There's a couple on the estate," she said, her voice low. "Nikuu and Dillon. She lost her Talent when 
their Leska Link formed. He supports her, makes sure she feels his mental presence. We can do the 
same if…" 

"Don't say it!" said Kaid fiercely, his hand almost crushing 
hers as she felt his fear that her words would 
make it real. "We'll do anything, we both know that. Facing the possibility is one thing, talking about a 
solution now, that's—something else." 

She nodded and fell silent, not wanting to air her deepest 
fear. 

"Say it, Carrie," he said quietly. "Don't hold back from me. We're in this together, remember?" 

"Is Kusac having seizures because we formed a Leska Link? Because I'm pregnant?" 

"I've been asking myself that, but I honestly believe we couldn't have formed this stronger Link if Kusac 
had been awake and with us," he said, taking her hand between both of his. "If, and I do mean if, the 
seizures are because of his Talent, then it's because he was awakened after you. We are not to blame. If 
anyone is, it's the Primes. Our cub has nothing to do with it at all." 

"How could they, or anyone, know we were Linked tele-paths, though? 

"I told them as soon as I knew you were awake," he said. "Told them about Kusac and asked if they'd 
found him, too," he said quietly. 

"I know you did," she said, touching his cheek with her other hand. "You did everything you could, 
Tallinu. I wish we were able to talk to Brynne, ask him how Kusac felt and looked." 


"I'm thankful this ship at least has the capability of sending 
and receiving messages in jump," said Kaid. 
"We can talk to him when we reach Haven." 

"I'm thankful this ship at least has the capability of sending 
and receiving messages in jump," said Kaid. 
"We can talk to him when we reach Haven." 

CHAPTER 17 

WHILE they slept, Kezule worked, pounding the la'quo resin into a ppwder, then mixing it with water. 
He was concerned. This offer from others of his kind, it appealed to the Sholans for some reason. It was 
unlikely they were lying. He knew there were other Valtegans still in contact with the Sholans because of 
the modern things they'd given him while he was their captive. It seemed they wanted to hand him over 
more than they wanted the safety of his hostages. As yet, they might not realize it, but when they did, he'd 
be at risk, and he intended to be gone before that happened. 

As he worked, he kept looking over at his three hostages, envying them their closeness. They'd pulled the 
two camp beds together and slept with the child between them. Neither 
his children, nor those of the 
Emperor that he'd have been bringing up, would have known the touch or sight of their mother. Nor 
would they have known such closeness as the child had with the male. 

He'd seen it before in other species and had considered it a weakness, but now he was beginning to 
wonder. These Sholans were far from weak—his kind had been driven not only from Shola but from 
their sector of space—yet obviously 
they brought up their young with closeness and affection. 
Why did 
it work this way for them, but not for his people? Why was it different for Valtegans? Perhaps when he 
got back to his own time, he'd try an experiment. He could take one of the young and bring him up this 
way to see if he was different from the others. 

A wave of tiredness washed over him: he needed to sleep. The drug had to soak for half a day at least 
before it was in a state he could use. He looked over at his hostages 
again. It was time to wake and 
tether them. 

* * * 

He came to suddenly, hearing the child begin to whimper and stir. He raised his head from the 
workbench, realizing he'd let his guard down just enough to doze off. Cursing under his breath, he looked 
toward the camp beds. Both adults were beginning to stir, and though not quite awake, they were 
already beginning to comfort the child. 

How long had he been asleep? Looking at his wrist unit, he discovered he'd slept for six hours. What in 
the name of the God-King had possessed him? If the adults had awakened… He didn't complete the 
thought. Reaching for the container holding the la'quo, he glanced over at the door. Both were exactly as 
he'd left them. Looking round the room, he found everything else appeared unchanged. 

"You can eat," he said, getting to his feet to stretch his cramped muscles. He checked the time again. 
Several hours still remained before the drug would be ready to use. 

* * * 

"We've got to get Kezule out of there," said Rhyaz. "We're running out of time. Has Garras contacted 
him again about the Primes' offer?" 

"Twice more this morning," said Lijou. "He refused us both times. Keeza even offered to go in with him 
again if her presence could help matters." 

"What did you say?" 


"I thanked her and told her under no circumstances was I putting her at risk with him again," said Lijou 
firmly. 

"I thanked her and told her under no circumstances was I putting her at risk with him again," said Lijou 
firmly. 

"Of course," said Lijou, a little offended. It had been one of the first things they'd attempted. "He's got a 
damper effect round him. Crude, but effective. I expect that's why no one picked him up when he 
entered the estate. The others are all wearing their personal dampers turned up to full." 

"That scare you had a while back could actually have been him after all," said Rhyaz. "You figured out yet 
how he got in?" 

"There's a portion of fence where the grid was turned off because of a family of ferals constantly going in 
and out and setting off the alarms. They were considered enough of a deterrent in themselves. One of the 
troopers on the estate was found there, half eaten, two days ago. Garras reckons Kezule saw the trooper 
go out that way and waited for him to come back. When he returned and was attacked by the ferals, 
Kezule took the opportunity to get in. The ferals have been captured and sent to the Taykui Forest 
reserve and the fence is back up again. The trooper's friends confirmed 
he used to go out that way, 
keeping the ferals occupied 
and in the area by regularly throwing them raw meat. Patrols round the 
perimeter have been stepped up and the troopers warned what will happen to anyone found leaving the 
estate without a pass." 

"It comes down to the military again. They let Kezule escape in the first place," grumbled Rhyaz. "How's 
Ni'Zul-hu's digging going?" 

Lijou sighed. He understood all the reasons why they had to break the oath given by Rhyasha, but he 
didn't like it. "He's within fifteen yards of the back of the tunnel down into the lab," he said. "They're going 
slowly now, otherwise Kezule will hear them." 

"When we get them out, I want Brynne going to Haven with Kezule. He's been able to contact Kusac 
once, he might be able to do it again. Thank the Gods that the Touibans have loaned us that ship of 
theirs. Saves us days. Rulla gave me a report on its specs. It's capable of going into jump from just 
outside Sholan orbit, with a hull strong enough to travel our route to Haven in three days-" 

"Banner and Jurrel have been up to the Couana, too. They're most recently familiar with some of the 
systems. They can crew for Captain Shaayiyisis." 

"Good. Get Garras to keep asking Kezule to agree to the Primes' offer." 

"We might annoy him into rash action," objected Lijou. 

"I doubt it. He doesn't strike me as the suicidal type, and he knows that killing his hostages would result 
in his own death. Get back to me as soon as you have any news." 

"I will," said Lijou and signed off. 

# * * 

J'koshuk's and Kusac's rooms were next to each other. As Chy'qui headed down the corridor toward 
them, he saw the guard posted outside Kusac's door. The commander was determined he shouldn't have 
access to him. However, given the nature of the guards, it was a sound bet that this one wouldn't have 
considered the possibility of there being an adjoining door between the rooms. At least he hadn't been 
prevented from working with J'koshuk, despite the interference of Prince Zsurtul. If all went well, that 
young male wouldn't be around much longer. The exchange of hostages would be the last time anyone 


would see the Enlightened 
One alive. The fool had only made his task easier by getting himself taken as 
a hostage! 

would see the Enlightened 
One alive. The fool had only made his task easier by getting himself taken as 
a hostage! 

Bending down at the side of the bed, he took the one for J'koshuk out of his pocket, placed it in the 
player, activated 
it and pulled the viewer hood from its recess in the wall above. When his vital signs 
indicated that he was in a trance, he would hear a subliminal voice telling him to open his eyes. A 
holographic image would then be projected into the viewer, completing the programming, making 
J'koshuk totally his creature. 

That done, he moved quietly over to the inner door, opening it slowly till he could see whether or not 
there was a guard in Kusac's room. Apart from the Sholan, it was empty, and the outer door was closed. 
He saw with pleasure 
that Zayshul had already activated his sleep tape. 

He entered, making his way quietly over to Kusac's bed where he swapped the tapes. He knew which 
one Zayshul was using and had duplicated it, adding in his own sublimi-nals and images. Now, instead of 
bland, soothing images, it would play him sequences of his torture at the hands of Prince Zsurtul, with 
J'koshuk pleading for him to stop. J'koshuk would cease to be his enemy, and Zsurtul would become the 
one responsible for all his pain and suffering. When he saw the Emperor's son at the exchange of 
hostages, 
he'd see an enemy. All it would take to make him turn on Prince Zsurtul and kill him would be 
J'koshuk using one of the small mobile control units to turn up the implant's production of the Sholan's 
own hormones. He'd become a killing machine. The minute he turned on the Prince, Zsurtul's remaining 
bodyguards would immediately cut the Sholan down with their guns, thus preventing anyone 
from finding 
out why the tragedy had happened. No one would even look at J'koshuk. And he'd be one step nearer 
creating the constitutional crisis that necessitated replacing 
the Emperor. 

As quietly as he'd entered, he left. Minutes later, he was walking down the corridor with no one the 
wiser. 

Awareness returned to Kusac, but it had an unreal quality 
to it. He could hear voices and see images but 
they were vague and confusing. He remembered the female telling him he'd be given an anesthetic, but 
that was before they gave him the la'quo. He must still be hallucinating, because they were very strange 
images. 

The priest was there, the red-robed one, but it was another, 
one with sand-colored skin, who was 
tormenting him. That wasn't the way he remembered it. J'koshuk had been the only Valtegan present, 
apart from the armored Prime guard. Confused, he closed his eyes, trying to cut out the images, but the 
voice persisted. It began to irritate him, make him angry, and he began to move restlessly in the bed, 
setting off the alarm. The voice and the images stopped abruptly and the viewer retracted smoothly back 
into its wall niche. 

The female doctor ran in, coming to his bedside and checking something on the wall above his head. 
"You're awake," she said. 

"Obviously," he snapped. He tried to sit up, but something 
was preventing him. "What's going on? What 
are you doing to me?" There was a cannula in his arm, and a tube leading away from it. He tried to reach 


across himself and pull it out but again, he found his movements restricted. "Dammit, what the hell are you 
doing to me?" 

across himself and pull it out but again, he found his movements restricted. "Dammit, what the hell are you 
doing to me?" 

"I don't want to sleep, I want to get…" His voice was slurring and lassitude was spreading through him 
again. He felt his consciousness slipping away. 

Perplexed, Zayshul watched him until he was unconscious. 
He shouldn't have woken so soon, and he 
should definitely not have been aggressive. She moved to the other side of the room, checking his 
readings for the past couple of hours. There was a definite rise in the levels of his male hormones. 
Strange, since the implant's control over him had been reduced several times during the last day. It 
shouldn't be affecting him like this, if it was a specially adapted unit as Chy'qui claimed. 

She went back to his bed and removed the tape from the unit. Maybe that had been the culprit, she 
certainly hoped so. It was unthinkable that Chy'qui could have lied to her— or was it? The tape had 
switched off automatically when the alarm sounded, but she wasn't taking any further chances. On her 
way out, she checked with the guard, but Doctor Chy'qui hadn't even approached him. Seeing the room 
next door was occupied, she checked to see who was there. J'koshuk, Chy'qui's patient. Her uneasiness 
began to grow. The guard told her the doctor had been in to see him a couple of hours before, but that 
didn't prove anything. 

On impulse, she checked Kusac again, looking around the room till she spotted the connecting door. 
Had Chy'qui come in through there? It proved opportunity, nothing more. She still couldn't be sure any 
outside influence had caused the unnatural response in her Sholan. Calling the guard in, she told him to 
watch the patient from inside the room and to let no one but herself or the commander enter. If anyone 
tried, he was to contact his Control and have it reported to her immediately. 

With an easier mind, she returned to her own office. Once there, she began to check the records of 
treatment for both J'koshuk and Kusac. She found nothing out of the ordinary, but she was still not 
satisfied. Chy'qui had complained that Prince Zsurtul had insisted J'koshuk not be implanted. She could 
find no evidence of that at all. Had it been Chy'qui who'd decided not to implant him, and if so, for what 
reason? And why blame the Prince? He wasn't a medic. This needed more of an investigation. She 
yawned, checking the time. It was late. It would have to wait till morning. The Prince had friends with him 
in his suite, perhaps one of them would be able to tell her what his interest had been in either Kusac or 
J'koshuk. 

Turning off her terminal, she left her office for her own quarters. It wold be good to relax with her 
roommates. If she were right, this matter could touch on treason, especially 
since Chy'qui was one of the 
three counselors to the Emperor. The thought he was actually trying to discredit the Prince chilled her, 
and she was glad that she could warm herself against the bodies of her friends that night. The need to be 
careful occurred to her, as did the realization 
that she needed hard facts to put before the commander 
before he'd entertain any accusations against Counselor Chy'qui. 

* * * 

Kezule had tethered Kashini to the ancient microscope stand. Two sleeping bags formed a warm base 
for her to sit on and the female, Kitra, had given her the toys and scrap of old blanket as well as some 
cereal biscuits, dried meat strips, and a child's container of water to drink. 

Now he turned his attention to them. Pulling a stool over to the camp beds on which they were sitting, he 
sat down. 


"You will take me back to a time just after our cruiser hit Shola's moon," he said. "The location will be the 
desert settlement of Khezy'ipik. I have the drug necessary, and I have you. I want only myself returned, 
nothing more." 

"You will take me back to a time just after our cruiser hit Shola's moon," he said. "The location will be the 
desert settlement of Khezy'ipik. I have the drug necessary, and I have you. I want only myself returned, 
nothing more." 

"That matters not to me. They took themselves and me forward in time. I want only myself sent back to 
where I belong. You will do it. This is not a discussion, it is an order." 

"You can't order us," Kitra burst out, obviously unable to contain herself any longer. "Dzaka doesn't have 
the ability 
to do it! And there're only the two of us!" 

"I am not concerned with that. I called Fyak, I can tell you how to take me back. I know where I'm 
going, after all," Kezule said. "The drug, in certain concentrations, loosens 
the mind, allowing one to 
reach beyond the here and now. You were right. All that's needed is a clear vision of where and when 
you want to go." 

"Why can't you do it yourself if you brought Fyak back to your time?" demanded Kitra. 

"I didn't bring him, I called him," he said, trying to remain 
patient. If he could get their cooperation, it 
would be better than forcing them. It was the female's he needed most, as she was the telepath. "He was 
trying to reach the temple at a time when I was experimenting with the drug. Why is no concern of yours. 
I was able to provide him with what he wanted to see, and he arrived there in person. We will do the 
same. You will picture the image I say and send me there. That is all." 

"The drug's dangerous, Kezule," began Dzaka. 

"I am even more dangerous," hissed Kezule,^ tongue flicking out in anger. "Do not try my patience any 
further!" 

"No," said Dzaka. "You can't make us." 

Kezule touched his bracelet, watching as Dzaka collapsed on the bed, crying out in pain. Kitra 
immediately reached for him, but her touch only made him howl and try to push her away. Releasing the 
control button, Kezule waited for Dzaka's spasms to subside. 

"You're making it worse," he said at last. "Leave him. It will pass more quickly." 

She jumped back, turning on him with all the fury she could muster. "You monster! How can you do that 
to him?" 

"Do you agree to take the drug and send me back to my own time?" demanded Kezule. 

Gasping for breath, Dzaka tried to reach out for her. "Don't agree!" 

Kezule could see she was obviously torn between the desire to hurl herself at him and the knowledge her 
attack would only make it worse for Dzaka. Again he touched the control, keeping it down for slightly 
longer this time. Dzaka's 
back arched in pain, but slowly he raised his hands to the collar, grasping hold 
of it in a futile effort to tear it off. As his fingers touched it, he began to keen in agony. Kitra flung herself 
to her knees beside him, sobbing. 

When Kezule finally released the control, Dzaka lay on the camp bed whimpering, his limbs still shaking 


as he forced his clenched hands to release the collar. 

as he forced his clenched hands to release the collar. 

The male reached out once more to touch his mate. He wasn't going to give in easily. So be it. Since long 
bursts were not enough, he'd try several short ones. He wanted this over quickly. By the time he'd 
administered the third, Dzaka had fallen to the floor and lay curled in a ball of agony, making a low, 
mewling sound. 

Kitra was distraught. "Yes!" she shrieked, turning a tear-streaked face to him. "Yes! Anything! Just leave 
him alone, damn you!" 

"You swear you'll both take me back to where and when I want?" he demanded, hand still poised over 
the bracelet. 

"Yes," she sobbed, "We'll do it. We'll take your drug and do our best to send you back!" 

On her mat of sleeping bags, the child was also screaming and sobbing. He regretted having to let her see 
this happen, but it was his life and the future of his species on Shola that was at stake. "Silence the child," 
he said. 

Getting up, he put the stool away and went to fetch the la'quo mixture. Taking three of the disposable 
cups he'd found in the room, he carefully poured an equal measure of the thick, bright green liquid into 
each. Picking up two of them, he went back to the adults. 

The male was now beginning to sit up, wiping his face with a shaking hand. As Kitra returned from 
settling the child, Kezule handed the mixture to her first. Almost snatching it from him, she drank it down. 

"Take it all," he said. Going round the other side of the camp bed, he reached down with his free hand to 
help Dzaka to his feet. 

'I regret causing you pain," he said, guiding him onto the bed. "You're a warrior. Were the positions 
reversed, you'd do the same to me." 

Dzaka said nothing, merely accepted the cup without looking at him, drank the contents down and 
returned it. 

"I will remove the collar now," said Kezule, reaching the fingers of his left hand inside the metal band. He 
let his claw tips find the slight indentations that marked the release 
mechanism and pressed. It came free 
in his hand. There was blood ringing Dzaka's neck where he'd cut himself 
on it while trying to pull it off. 

"What do we do now?" asked Kitra in a very quiet voice as he took the now empty cup from her. 

"Give me your wrist unit, then lie down. Look up at the ceiling of this cavern and imagine another like it," 
he said. Taking it from her, he walked back to place the collar and the wrist comm on the workbench 
and take off his own unit. 

Picking up the last cup, he drank his own dose. "But there is a hole in the roof through which the sun 
shines down onto a stone altar directly below it. The walls are covered in murals of my people." He 
picked up the last of the sleeping bags and flung it down at the end of the workbench. 
Sitting down on it, 
he leaned back against the bench. 


The drug took only a few minutes to work, then he felt himself becoming relaxed and slightly 
light-headed. He watched the two Sholans, seeing the female's eyes begin to droop. The male would 
take a little longer because he was still in pain. 

The drug took only a few minutes to work, then he felt himself becoming relaxed and slightly 
light-headed. He watched the two Sholans, seeing the female's eyes begin to droop. The male would 
take a little longer because he was still in pain. 

Kitra lay there, heart pounding as she felt the alien substance 
rushing from her stomach through her 
body. It had been vile to swallow; thick and almost viscous, it had oozed its way down her throat. She 
shuddered, feeling every hair on her pelt starting to rise. They hurt and prickled against her tabard, 
making her acutely uncomfortable. She could hear a pounding in her ears that grew louder and louder. 
Terrified, she glanced at Dzaka. 

He lay on his side, hand reaching out for hers. She took it gratefully, feeling the sharpness of his claws as 
his fingers closed tightly over hers. His palm felt hard and leathery against her now sensitive pelt, quite 
different from the feel of his soft fingertips. Her senses began to swim and she gasped for air, feeling the 
coolness of it hurting her nose and lungs. 

She felt sick as the room began to fade and swirl alternately 
before her eyes, and in a panic, she reached 
mentally for Dzaka, clutching his hand even more tightly. 

"Think of the cavern roof with the hole in the center, sunlight falling through it," she heard Kezule repeat 
from a few feet away. 

No, you mustn't! The thought filled her mind. It'll be the end of all of us! 

She felt herself drifting, being gently pulled away from him. 

Kitra! Stay here! 

Panic in the thoughts this time, but they were growing fainter as she seemed to float toward a brightness. 
His hand felt as if it was slipping away from her as she was drawn toward the glowing warmth. She was 
aware of Dzaka, and of Kezule, but they felt remote. A memory nudged her. They were supposed to be 
with her, not left behind. 

Reaching mentally for them, she touched their minds as the first searing heat of the flames touched her. 
Shock jolted her from the lassitude, making her scream in agony. She tried to retreat, but one mind held 
her firm. 

Go through it! It is the way back, she heard Kezule say. 

It burns me! she wailed, pushing back. Energy suddenly surged through her, giving her the strength to 
resist the pull of the flames and Kezule. Once more she could feel Dzaka's hand holding hers, his claws 
pricking painfully into her flesh. 

Backlash him, Kitra! A new thought, a new presence, intruded into her mind. Send the power through 
him. 

How? I've never done anything like this before! 

Gather the power within you, youngling, then throw it like the balls of energy you practiced with 
at your Guild. It's just the same. Trust me. The result will please you. 

Conflicting energies swirled round her, trying to drag her toward the flames, trying to drive her away. 
Trusting the inner voice, she grasped them all, pulling them into herself, feeling Dzaka suddenly there with 


her as she sent them hurling toward the mind that was Kezule. 

her as she sent them hurling toward the mind that was Kezule. 

He was covering her face in kisses and tiny licks, frantic with relief that she was safe. You did it, Gods 
you did it, Kitra! You managed to keep him here! He's unconscious now, we're safe! 

His thoughts were an almost incoherent jumble. It was difficult to make sense of them because images 
began to flash through her mind, images of Dzaka as a cub on the Arrazo estate in the Clan nursery, then 
being taken by a strange female out into the cold and left beside a gate to be found by two young males 
in dark robes. 

Whimpering in confusion, she held him close, clutching his sides, breathing in his scent as he lowered 
himself onto her, whispering words of love in her ear. 

Faster and faster the images came until they reached the present. Then they began to slow, finally 
stopping, leaving their minds and bodies Linked together as one. 

But… How? Kitra sent, looking up at him as he stroked her hair back behind her ears. 

Dzaka hadn't time to form an answer before a muffled explosion vibrated through the lab, sending pieces 
of rock falling from the ceiling overhead. Flattening Kitra under him, he prayed Kashini was safe. As the 
fall subsided to a rain of dust, he heard the steel door grating open a few inches. Looking up, he saw 
Garras squeezing through the gap. 

"Well done!" the older male said, coming toward them, then stopped dead as he saw their compromising 
situation. He turned hurriedly to the gap, but already the door was being pushed aside. "Wait a moment, 
Master Konis," he said. 

As Kitra shut her eyes, groaning in embarrassment, Dzaka sat up and reached for a blanket from the 
other bed, hauling it partially over them. He'd felt his pelt rising at the mention of her father's name. The 
Gods Themselves had joined them as one. This time, no one would stop him from making Kitra his 
life-mate. 

Still poised astride her, he crouched down on all fours, looking up at the Clan Lord. All the anger he 
couldn't show before came to the surface now. "She's mine, Konis." he snarled. "My Leska, my 
life-mate. Neither you nor your Council will stop us marrying now!" 

Konis stayed where he was, aware he was facing a dangerously 
enraged young male. "Thank the 
Gods," he said, the relief evident in his voice. "You've no idea how glad I am to hear you say that! Take 
her with my blessing, Dzaka." 

Garras, meanwhile, had headed for Kezule. Finding him unconscious, he turned and picked up Kashini, 
who was crying lustily by this time. 

Puzzled, Dzaka sat back on the bed while Kitra tried desperately to cover herself with the blanket. 
Belatedly, he helped her as Garras headed back to Konis with the cub. 

Not Mother, too! I'm going to die of embarrassment! sent Kitra. 

Blocking the doorway, Garras eyed Dzaka. "We need to get Kezule out," he said, trying not to grin. "If 
you don't mind." 

Almost in shock, Dzaka just sat there till Garras came over and threw him another blanket. 


"Take Kitra home to the villa, Dzaka." he said, grasping the young male by the shoulder affectionately. 
"The two of you have done very well indeed. Thanks to you we've gotten Kezule in plenty of time." 

"Take Kitra home to the villa, Dzaka." he said, grasping the young male by the shoulder affectionately. 
"The two of you have done very well indeed. Thanks to you we've gotten Kezule in plenty of time." 

"Your father and Carrie have turned up safe. I'll come over later and tell you everything. For now, just go 
home with your Leska, Dzaka." 

Konis had disappeared with Kashini, and now several Brothers stood in the room, waiting for Garras' 
instructions. 
He jerked his head in the direction of the unconscious 
Valtegan as Dzaka pulled the 
blanket round himself and got up off the camp bed. 

"Who helped us?" asked Dzaka as he bent to help Kitra. 

A strange look crossed Garras' face. "I'm not that religious, 
but if you asked Master Konis, I know he'd 
say Var-tra. Whoever it was, he told your father it was safe to blow the door open, Kitra," he said. 

"He said if I trusted him…" began Kitra, then stopped. "He knew it would Link us." 

"I'm glad it did," replied Dzaka, pulling one arm free of the blanket and putting it around her as they 
walked to the door. 

"Mother will definitely want a temple wedding," Kitra grumbled. "So much fuss and bother this will 
cause." 

"I don't care," he said, hand tightening on her shoulder. "She can have a temple wedding at Stronghold if 
she wishes!" 

"She can? We can? That sounds like fun," she said, grinning 
up at him as they went out into the main 
chamber. 

Two hours later, Kezule's cryo unit loaded in the Toui-ban sick bay, the Couana left Shola for Haven. 
Keeza accompanied 
Brynne on the basis that when they arrived at Haven and resuscitated Kezule, 
should he come out of the comalike state he was in, a face he at least recognized was advisable. Jurrel 
and Banner were helping Captain Shaayi-yisis crew the private craft, and planning to give Brynne some 
on-the-job training. 

* * * 

Day 40 

After breakfasting in the mess, Zayshul had headed up to the royal suite. Under the pretext of carrying 
out routine health checks, she'd been able to exchange a few words with Prince Zsurtul's mistress. 

"No, he didn't have any medical experiment in mind," M'ikkule said. "He was merely observing for his 
father. There was this huge argument between the Emperor and his counselors, you see. He wants this 
treaty with the Sho-lans, but one of them advised him against it. He overruled them, of course, but that's 
why Chy'qui came along. He's determined to be here when Emperor Cheu'ko'h is proved wrong." 

A major split between the Emperor and his advisers over the Sholan treaty? This sounded reason enough 
for Chy'qui to be interfering with a Sholan captive. 

"That's why Prince Zsurtul kept coming down to the medical research area?" 

"Yes. Besides, he was curious about the aliens. He'd have gotten us in to meet them if he could, but he 


said 

said 

"Only on a professional level," she said hurriedly, picking 
up the female's own reader pad to transfer her 
data to it. "One of those we took from the M'zullian vessel wasn't implanted. Their priest, J'koshuk. I 
wondered if the Prince bad heard why, that's all. The M'zullian caused quite a bit of trouble among our 
unexpected guests." 

"Prince Zsurtul told us." She pulled a face. "He only goes to prove that we're better off without the 
warrior genes on K'oish'ik. The Prince said he feared Chy'qui wanted to find out the nature of the 
Sholans' telepathy and had been doing dreadful experiments on the male they found floating in space." 
She shuddered. "That's why he pushed for releasing them early with the treaty, rather than going to their 
home world." 

"Prince Zsurtul was behind their release?" That surprised 
her, and explained why he'd joined her when 
she went to tell their guests they were to be released. The data now transferred, she'd given up any 
pretense of making idle conversation. 

"Of course. He supports his father, naturally." M'ikkule held out her hand for the reader, making a small 
noise of annoyance when Zayshul failed to notice. 

"Sorry," she said, handing it to her. "You're lacking some vitamins and minerals in your diet. I've listed 
some foods and the daily quantities you need to take to bring the levels back up to normal." 

"If that's all?" M'ikkule asked politely, getting to her feet. "I've things to see to before the Prince returns." 
She hesitated as Zayshul rose. "You do think they'll give him safely back, don't you? What Chy'qui did to 
them won't affect the way they treat him, will it?" 

"I hope not," Zayshul said with feeling. "M'ikkule, would you be willing to tell Commander Q'ozoi this?" 

A horrified look crossed her face. "I absolutely refuse to get involved! I have to live in the Court in the 
City of Light. You've no idea what it can be like with all the infighting 
and arguments. No one in their 
right mind falls foul of Chy'qui, believe me! If you've any sense, you'll not ask any more questions about 
him." 

Thoughtfully, she made her way back down to her office. She'd have to be very careful indeed if Chy'qui 
wasn't to find out what she was doing. From the sound of it, he wasn't the kind of person to leave a 
provable trail. She needed information that probably only existed in the doctor's 
own personal secure 
files. This was beyond her now. She needed help. 

Intrigue of one sort or another was a way of life on a ship like this. She had someone in mind to help her, 
but it would be better if she didn't go openly to him. Looking at the clock, she realized it was almost past 
lunchtime. If she hurried, she might catch him in the mess. 

Disconsolately, she picked at her salad. She'd missed Kesh. Now she'd have to wait for him to come off 
duty in the evening and try to meet up with him inconspicuously in the recreation area. Was she being 
overly cautious, she wondered? Even if she was, breaking into private files was not her skill, it was 
Kesh's. He said he did it for amusement, 
to keep his hand in. Whatever the reason, she was thankful he 
did right now. It was only two days till they reached their destination, and she wanted to know exactly 
what Chy'qui had been up to before they arrived. 


* * * 

* * * 

Dread filled him, and getting up, he went to the cleansing area. He stopped at the mirror when he saw his 
reflection. Putting a shaking hand to his head, he touched the edge of the implant. Nausea welled up 
inside him and, hurriedly, he removed his hand. The sensation subsided, leaving him shaking. 

Unsteadily, he headed for the lounge and something to drink. He gulped the herbal brew, feeling better as 
its warmth spread through him. Now he felt more able to con-sider the situation rationally. Putting the cup 
down, he sat back in his seat. He had an implant. He didn't feel different in any way, it didn't affect the 
way he thought, so what had been lost—or achieved for that matter—by implanting him? He'd no idea 
right now, but he'd watch and see during the next few days. 

Round his neck, the metal collar vibrated, warning him that he was needed, that someone would be 
coming for him. Hurriedly he got to his feet and went to the food unit, reading quickly down the varied 
menu, choosing a light meal of eggs and three varieties of vegetables. He picked his plate up, turning 
away from the unit and shoveling the food into his mouth. It was good. He made a mental note to 
remember the name of the meal for another time. 

The door opened as he swallowed the last mouthful. A Valtegan in gray fatigues, flanked by an armored 
guard, stood there. 

"I'm Doctor Chy'qui," he said. "A Prime Seniormost. You've been my patient, J'koshuk, but now you're 
well again. I've come to give you your new duties." 

"Yes, Seniormost," he said, standing up. 

"The crew of the M'ijikk, as you know, have been relocated 
within the Kz'adul for several weeks. It's 
time you were also given your permanent posting. I need an assistant to help me carry out health checks 
on them from time to time. When I do this, you will accompany me. Today is such an occasion." He held 
out a small numeric pad mounted on a wrist attachment. "Put this on and follow me." 

They went first to the cargo area, where stores were being redistributed throughout the ship. He could 
spot his fellow crew members easily. They all wore fatigues of a yellowish-green, and they all had 
implants like himself. 

It was merely a matter of checking the readings for each person on the tiny view screen, and if the red 
figures were different from those in black, adjusting them using the keypad. 
It was repetitive and boring 
work, the only interesting feature being that he got a tour of certain working areas of the massive craft. 

During lunch break, the doctor went to one end of the mess hall, leaving J'koshuk to join those from the 
M'ijikk. He was wary at first, wondering if they would want revenge on him for carrying out the 
Seniormost's orders when he'd questioned them. The matter was resolved by them treating him with 
exactly the same level of contempt and avoidance as they had before. Consequently, he ate alone and 
was glad when his collar vibrated, calling him back to the doctor. 

Their second location was the landing bay. As they came off the cargo elevator, J'koshuk could see 
suited figures working high above, finishing reinforcing the last section of a repair to what must have been 
a massive hull breach. 


"What happened there?" he asked. 
Chy'qui frowned, wondering if he'd allowed him to retain too much curiosity, but then, J'koshuk couldn't 


help him with these duties if he didn't have enough free will left to question the readings and make the 
necessary adjustments. 
"The Sholans and their companions escaped through that hole," he said shortly, then remembered the 


task he was actually training him for. "Tomorrow, we reach our destination," 
he said quietly. "It's a 
rendezvous with the Sholans. They've taken one of our people captive and we're exchanging 
him for the 
Sholan male you were questioning. Do you remember him?" 


J'koshuk nodded. Of course he remembered him. 


"He is to be exchanged for their hostage. You will be accompanying me. Our guards will be out of range 
of their Control, therefore they must be monitored by us." 
He nodded again. Made sense. His position hadn't suffered, 
despite the debacle with the Human female, 


and the implant. He only had to consider what the rest of the crew were doing to know that. Manual 
work, that was all they were worth, even his old enemy Mzayb'ik. That had made him laugh, but it had 
not seemed to bother Mzayb'ik at all when they'd come face-to-face. 


"Come on, we've another twenty to do before we're finished," 
said the doctor. 


Suddenly, they heard a commotion ahead of them. Someone 
had fallen to the ground and several 
tan-clad figures were converging on him, voices raised in obvious concern. 
Chy'qui sighed. "There's always one or two," he muttered, 
gesturing J'koshuk to follow him as he 


headed toward the group. 


J'koshuk glanced at the doctor, wondering why he wasn't hurrying. It could be serious, a life could be at 
risk. 
"Should we not hurry?" 
"No point. They have him safe enough for now. When his fit is over, I'll have him moved to Med 


Research, for what good it will do." 
"You know what's wrong with him?" 
"Failed implant," said Chy'qui briefly. "He'll not be much use to anyone in a few weeks' time." 
The knot of people parted for them. J'koshuk could barely see the figure being held down by three Prime 


docking 
hands. He could see he wore the same color of fatigues as the rest of his crew. 
"Failed in what way?" he asked, his mouth going dry in fear at the thought of his own implant. 
"Imperfect connections between the brain and the implant. 
He'll have to be terminated eventually." 
As the crouching Prime moved aside, J'koshuk recognized 
the fallen male. It was his general, 


M'ezozakk. With an effort, he managed to swallow the scream of fear that rose from deep inside him. 
Deep within the heart of an asteroid in the Haven belt, the displays on six cryo units flicked to green. 
Lights came on in the inner chambers, and with a faint hiss, the vacuum seals were released. As the lids 
arched back into the units, the sleepers within began to stir. 



The Instructor for the facility waited patiently. He'd activated 
sleepers many times in the past, but only 
for retraining. 
Like the others he'd wakened earlier, he'd chosen this group carefully, making sure there 
were none that would be known to the present-day personnel who'd be at Haven. 

The Instructor for the facility waited patiently. He'd activated 
sleepers many times in the past, but only 
for retraining. 
Like the others he'd wakened earlier, he'd chosen this group carefully, making sure there 
were none that would be known to the present-day personnel who'd be at Haven. 

"Well come, Brothers and Sisters," he said, as the last one made his way from his cryo unit to the chairs 
where he and the others sat. "The year is 1551, and the reason you've been woken is to meet a clear and 
present threat to Shola." 

He waited for the stir of interest to die down. "Background 
information plus the relevant Sholan and 
Alliance history to date has been provided for you through the usual sleep tapes as you were being 
revived. Your assignment is to guard the Sholan negotiators and facilitate the exchange of hostages 
between the Valtegan Primes and ourselves. You have all been fully briefed, again with the use of sleep 
tapes. If anyone has any questions on the situation, now is the time to ask." He looked round the two 
females and four males, but no questions were forthcoming. 

"Lieutenant Dzaou, you are in charge of this unit. Your liaison will be Commander L'Seuli from Dzahai 
Stronghold. 
He will be here presently to meet you. You are now dismissed to refresh yourselves and get 
to know each other." 

They filed out to the living area, beginning to talk among themselves. 

His task done, he waited till they were out of earshot before heading for the adjacent sick bay. From 
there he passed through the secret entrance to the labyrinth of tunnels 
where the other sleepers lay. It 
was time to check the units, make sure all was well with them. As he walked slowly down the rows of 
darkened cryo units, all the panel lights showed their accustomed amber. They slept quiet and deep, 
those who came here, he saw to that. It was his task, his penance to the God and the Brotherhood, to be 
their guardian and Instructor for the next nine years. 

* * # 

This time, L'Seuli traveled up front beside the pilot as they began to make their final approach to Haven. 
It was on the outer edge of an asteroid belt circling the nearby gas giant. The largest asteroid was Haven 
itself. Inside the protective envelope of the belt, he could see smaller craft in parking orbits. A disk 
shaped trading vessel caught his attention. 

"The Hkariyash," he said, pointing to it. "It's gotten busy here." The volume of craft there surprised him. 

"Yes, Commander," said Chima. "It is the Brotherhood's first major turnout in three hundred years, and 
then we were only part of the combined Forces." 

"Let's hope it remains peaceful. The Chemerian/Sholan wars cost a lot of lives on both sides." 

"What's going on here, Commander?" 

"Captain Kheal will have you briefed along with everyone 
else, Chima," said L'Seuli. Then the Va'Khoi 
came into view. 

"Vartra's bones!" swore Chima, looking at the massive destroyer. "That's ours?" 


"The command ship," said L'Seuli. "Captain Kheal will transfer there sometime today. There should be a 
fighter carrier around, too." 

"The command ship," said L'Seuli. "Captain Kheal will transfer there sometime today. There should be a 
fighter carrier around, too." 

Ten minutes later, he was heading out of the elevator and along the busy corridor to Kheal's office. The 
station was quite different this time; there was an air of controlled urgency about the place. 

"You'll find us a little busier this visit, Commander," said Kheal, dismissing his aide and standing up to 
greet him. 

"Indeed I do, Captain," agreed L'Seuli, throwing his cloak over the back of the chair before sitting down. 
"I hadn't thought to be back so soon. When do you expect the Rryuk's Profitl" 

"Tomorrow, with the Prime ship, Kz'adul, not far behind. 
My orders say you're in charge of the escort 
for the negotiators and the exchange of hostages. I'll have you ferried 
out to your unit as soon as you're 
ready." 

"Thank you, Captain. They'll need to familiarize themselves 
with the layout of Haven. I'd like the 
exchange to take place on the landing deck here, if you've no objections." 

"I'd rather it be here than on the Kz'adul" said Kheal frankly. "I've assigned you the office next to mine. 
One of my senior crew, Sub-Lieutenant Zhaddu, will assist you if you require anything. He'll be running 
this station, leaving you free for your primary task. I hope that's acceptable." 

L'Seuli nodded. "I'll need an aide." 

"Zhaddu will appoint one for you. Briefing is at the fourteenth 
hour and will be relayed from the Va'Khoi 
to Haven and all craft. I'm leaving within the next half hour." 

"In that case, I won't delay you. If someone could show me my office and get my belongings stored in my 
quarters, I'd be grateful. I also need a shuttle to take me to join my unit." 

"Certainly," said Kheal, summoning his aide. "I must admit, L'Seuli, I had no idea of the scale of this 
encounter when you last came," he said quietly. "Did you?" 

"I knew what was coming, but not where," admitted L'Seuli. "I'd no idea we could field so many, 
though." 

They exchanged glances, saying no more. Some matters were better not discussed, even among senior 
Brothers. 

"Attention!" said Dzaou, jumping to his feet as he saw L'Seuli enter the small mess area. 

"Good evening. At ease, Brothers, and Sisters," he said, taking the vacant chair at the top of the table. 
"I'm Commander 
L'Seuli. Introduce yourselves, please." 

"Lieutenant Dzaou, Commander, and this is Brother Maikoi," he said, indicating the male on L'Seuli's 
right. "Sister Zhiko next to him, Sister Taeo, and Brothers Khol-gou and Ngio," indicating those on his 
own left. 

L'Seuli nodded to each of them in turn. They were of differing ages, but all were at least in their late 


forties. Seasoned warriors. He also knew what very few others did, that they'd been in cryo for an 
average of two hundred years, give or take the odd six months for retraining every thirty years. 

forties. Seasoned warriors. He also knew what very few others did, that they'd been in cryo for an 
average of two hundred years, give or take the odd six months for retraining every thirty years. 

"Yes, Commander," said Dzaou. 

"Our task is to ensure not only the safety of our negotiating 
party, but also that of the hostages. The first 
of ours is the Valtegan Prime, Prince Zsurtul. The other is a Valtegan general from a world called Kiju'iz. 
His name is Kezule, and like yourselves, he's from an earlier time than this. We hope he will be here 
before the Primes arrive in two days." 

"Who are we getting in exchange?" asked Dzaou. 

"A Sholan mixed Leska telepath named Kusac Aldatan. 

He's the Clan Leader of the En'Shalla Aldatan Clan. Have you been told of the complications concerning 
him?" 

"We've been briefed on the En'Shallans, Commander," said Dzaou. "Seems to me that even with the 
possibility of a treaty, this is an uneven exchange." 

"The importance to Shola of the return of our Brother is immense," said L'Seuli carefully. He'd been well 
briefed himself on how to handle the sleepers. "And we have no option over the meeting with the Primes, 
not least because they know the location of Shola. I expect you to let his own Triad members deal with 
Kusac. They are telepaths and will be able to judge the situation quicker and more accurately than you 
can." 

"When are we going over to Haven, Commander?" asked Taeo. 

"As soon as we've finished here. I want you to familiarize yourselves thoroughly with the station. We 
hope the exchange 
will take place in the landing deck here, rather than on the Prime ship. The all-crew 
briefing is at the fourteenth hour tonight. My office is next to Captain Kheal's. He's handed over 
command of Haven to Sub-Lieutenant Zhaddu, who'll carry the rank of captain for the duration. My aide 
is Sister Lydda. You'll meet her on the shuttle when we leave. I'll meet you tomorrow in my office at the 
ninth hour, Lieutenant Dzaou, to discuss your plans for the deployment of personnel during Contact and 
the hostage exchange." 

"Aye, Commander," he said. 

L'Seuli got to his feet. "I suggest we waste no more time in getting over to Haven." 

CHAPTER 18 

Day 41 

"Y'KNOW, I miss all this," said Zhiko, skinning an apple with her knife. 
"What? The crappy food?" asked Ngio, pushing his plate away in disgust. 
"No. The noise, the bustle. There's none of this at training." 
"I can't believe I'm seeing this," said Maikoi, looking round the mess hall. "Humans and Sumaan at a 


Brotherhood 
outpost, when not even our own Forces know of its existence." 



"There are several Human Brothers now we have mixed species Leskas," said Taeo. "What do you 
think, Dzaou?" 

"There are several Human Brothers now we have mixed species Leskas," said Taeo. "What do you 
think, Dzaou?" 

"Alliance members, though. First time in a long while there've been new ones," said Zhiko, looking at a 
table nearby where two Human males sat with several Sumaan. "And we get to meet them." 

"This is my last tour," said Kholgou, staring into his mug. "I stay out this time." 

"Time's up, eh?" said Maikoi. 

He nodded. "I only signed up for three awakenings. This is it." 

"Tried it once," said Ngio. "Lasted three months before I beat down the door at Dzahai Stronghold 
asking to go back. Can't think why. Don't feed us properly, even now. Nothing changes, only the faces." 

Dzaou listened to them with half an ear. They'd hung around for most of the day waiting for the Profit to 
arrive. Finally a message came saying they'd be a day late. Now they needed to let off some steam. 
Sleeping got to you like that. Right now, he was watching the same Sumaan traders and their Human 
companions as Zhiko. They seemed to be getting on well. Unusual for the Sumaan. They were usually 
taciturn and kept themselves to themselves. Was it something to do with the nature of the Humans? The 
sleep briefing had said the Humans were also a telepathic species, he remembered. 

"Hey, boss, we getting leisure time tonight?" asked Zhiko. 

He turned his attention back to them. "Yeah. You got four hours. I want everyone in their own 
beds—alone—by nineteenth hour. Don't drink much. Keep alert and see what you can find out, 
especially from the Humans." 

"Funny that," purred Zhiko, getting to her feet. "Just what I had in mind." She walked away from their 
table, tail and hips swaying. 

Maikoi and Ngio exchanged grins with each other, then looked at Dzaou. He shook his head, trying not 
to smile. "Get out of here," he growled. "Go find some amusement of your own." 

* * * 

Day 42 

The next morning, Dzaou met L'Seuli. "I've had a good look round the landing deck, and I need an extra 
unit of ten people, Commander," he said in his slow, drawling accent. "We've not been in verbal 
communication with any of our people since they went missing. It's quite possible they could have been 
subverted to the Primes' way of thinking. I want the whole of the docking bay secured, all gun 
emplacements 
occupied and sealed, all vehicles out, and the two crews separated and taken under 
escort to debriefing rooms. I want to be sure this Kaid character is fit to be a negotiator." 

"Brother Kaid is the negotiator," corrected L'Seuli auto-matically, as he considered the request. "I'll pass 
on your recommendations to Captain Zhaddu, but as for taking the people on the Profit into custody, I 
would remind you they are not criminals, Lieutenant, and should not be treated as such." 


"They are a security risk, Commander, almost as great a one as the other aliens here. And there's the 
matter of the extra day." 

"They are a security risk, Commander, almost as great a one as the other aliens here. And there's the 
matter of the extra day." 

Dzaou suppressed his anger with an effort. "My priority is the safety of our species." 

"You'd do that best by not starting an incident through insulting our new allies. Agreed, our people could 
be a security risk, but the U'Churians and the Cabbarans will not be subjected to an inquisition style 
debriefing. Remember, 
had it not been for their help, we'd have lost Clan Leader Aldatan and his 
Leska." 

"Very well, we can escort the crew of the Profit to safe quarters, but I insist our people be taken into 
custody until fully debriefed." Concessions had to be made, and if the aliens from the Profit were in 
guarded quarters, and kept there till this encounter was over, he'd be satisfied. Briefly, he wondered why 
their Instructor hadn't given him a larger unit. 

"Maybe because he knew that with it you wouldn't be forced to make compromises," said a voice as the 
door opened. "Sorry to interrupt, Commander L'Seuli, but Master 
Rhyaz said to report to you 
immediately." 

Flanked by Banner and Jurrel, Brynne stood just inside the room. Behind him stood Keeza and 
Shaayiyisis, the Sumaan captain of the Couana. 

"We're to augment your unit. I presume this means we'll be working with Lieutenant Dzaou." 

Dzaou had spun around in his chair as he heard the voice. A Human, wearing the Brotherhood active 
grays edged with purple. What the hell was he doing in that getup? 

"Brother Brynne, I'm sure Master Rhyaz didn't envisage such a sudden entrance to my office," L'Seuli 
said coldly, while blessing him mentally for his interruption. 

Dzaou couldn't believe what he was hearing. The Brotherhood had alien members? 

No problem, came the reply. Master Rhyaz said to tell you this fellow needs to lose some of his 
species prejudice or he'll not be returning to his unit, whatever that means. I came in because he 
was broadcasting his dislike so loudly I picked it up as we came past. At the moment, he's freaking 
out about alien Brothers. 

Several emotions flitted through L'Seuli's mind, as well as several thoughts. Foremost of those was that 
putting Brynne on Dzaou's team could be almost as much trouble as it was benefit. The wry face Brynne 
pulled wasn't lost on him. 

He stood up, looking at Dzaou. "These three Brothers will be added to your unit, Dzaou," he said. "You 
must learn to work with Brynne and any of our other alien Brothers, or return to Stronghold at the end of 
this mission. As for your request, I'll make sure the additional ten Brothers are sent to the landing bay 
within the next half hour. And you may escort our people from the Profit to the debriefing room when 
they arrive. The U'Churians and the Cabbarans are to be quartered in dormitory one, the others in dorm 


seven." 

seven." 

"The offices on the starboard side opposite the briefing room have been allocated to us. And, Lieutenant 
Dzaou," he said quietly. "I'm in charge of debriefing. Remember that. Brother Jurrel, your orders, if you 
please. Where have you left Kezule?" 

Jurrel came forward to hand him the comp pad with their orders on it. "He's being revived from cryo in 
the sick bay, Commander. Master Rhyaz wants Brynne to be present with the negotiating party. He's the 
one who contacted Kusac a couple of days ago." 

"Noted," said L'Seuli. "Dismissed." 

Dzaou saluted sharply and turned to follow the other three Brothers into the corridor. Working with a 
Human did not please him at all. The fact he was a telepath was an extra annoyance. Unable to stomach 
violence, they had no business being out here in the front line. 

Brynne turned round and blocked his way. "If you think working with you when you're broadcasting your 
dislike of me is any kind of a picnic, think again, mate," he said, making sure to show his teeth in an 
unfriendly grin. "En'-Shalla Brothers fight, and our training at Stronghold is as complete as anyone else's. I 
may have started later than you, and be a beginner, but don't underestimate me, or any other Humans." 

"Brynne," said Banner warningly. "On a mission, we're given ranks, even though none exist otherwise. 
He's our lieutenant." 

"Yeah, well, I have this problem with racists," said Brynne. "He should button his mind if he doesn't want 
me knowing what he's thinking!" 

"Is he your pupil?" asked Dzaou coldly. 

"Mine," said Jurrel. "And with respect, Lieutenant, he's right. If you haven't worked with En'Shallan 
telepaths before…" 

"I'm aware of their level of Talent," he interrupted. "Stow your belongings in dorm eight and get down to 
the landing bay on the double!" 

He watched them head off, then angrily made for the comms room, requesting a secure line to his unit 
Instructor. 

"You set me up for this," Dzaou said. 

"There are lessons you must learn if you wish to be part of Shola's future. It's not enough to condition you 
to accept the new species with whom we must work," said his Instructor 
placidly. "You must learn to 
accept them. See the strengths they bring to our world as well as our species." 

"What I went through in the Chemerian wars…" 

"Is known to us. You should use that to help you deal with our returning Brothers and Sisters with 
compassion. That is why you were chosen." 

"When I volunteered to be a Sleeper, I thought…" 


"That you were a perfect warrior because you were accepted." 
The Instructor nodded. "It's a common 
mistake, one usually rectified during the first awakening. You were unlucky that this didn't happen for 
you. Swallow your pride, Brother Dzaou. You are no better than any of the current day Brothers with 
whom you work." 

"That you were a perfect warrior because you were accepted." 
The Instructor nodded. "It's a common 
mistake, one usually rectified during the first awakening. You were unlucky that this didn't happen for 
you. Swallow your pride, Brother Dzaou. You are no better than any of the current day Brothers with 
whom you work." 

"I've listened to such arguments many times," his Instructor 
sighed. "Say something new and I will listen, 
Brother." 

"Why was I chosen if I've got so many flaws?" he demanded. 

"Vartra's reasons are sometimes known only by Him. You know what you must do, Brother Dzaou. I 
have confidence 
in your ability to succeed. Do not prove me wrong and have to return to Stronghold, 
unless that's what you wish." 

Dzaou began to growl angrily. "What of our imperative to protect our species?" 

"We do that best by listening to those who lead us. A briefing of the situation is only that, not a 
knowledge of it. They live now, they know their own time. Be guided by them, Brother Dzaou. And 
make use of the En'Shalla tele-paths. They are a gift from Vartra Himself. The future will see their 
children come into their own for the benefit of all the Alliance." 

"Their children?" he asked, startled. 

"The hybrid cubs born of the mixed Leskas." The Instructor 
frowned. "This was in your briefing tapes. 
Don't you remember?" 

"Yes, now you mention it. I hadn't realized that the cubs were actually hybrids of both species." 

"Now, perhaps, you see the wisdom of learning to work with these Humans. They are our future, Dzaou. 
We either embrace them, or are overtaken by them. As for our new allies, the U'Churians and the 
Cabbarans have already shown their worth in the help they've given us during the past few weeks. 
Contrast them with the Chemerians of your own time. Doesn't the jegget in your den keep out the 
rodents who would otherwise inflict poisoned bites on your cubs? Strange times bring strange 
bedfellows, Dzaou. Try to open your mind to them, accept them for what they are, rather than what 
they're not." 

"AH very well for you to say, Instructor," he grumbled. "I'm the one who's got to do it, not you." 

"Do you think I don't have my own lessons to learn?" He raised an eye ridge. "I assure you, I have. The 
higher we aspire, Dzaou, the harder the lessons, and the farther we can fall. Now go back to your unit, 
and welcome the new Brothers as comrades in arms. You're on the same side, after all, and the telepath 
Brynne has lately learned his own lessons concerning our people." 

Dzaou sighed. "Yes, Instructor." 

* * * 

As the Profit settled down gently on the landing deck, Kaid began the power-down sequence, then 
transferred the board over to Sheeowl. The journey back had been a tremendous 
strain on everyone. 
They'd lived with the constant fear of the Prime ship following them and the worry that the repair would 
not stand up to the pressures of the journey. 
That was in addition to their fears for Kusac. 


Tirak had asked him to handle the emergence and landing 
at Haven, since he'd been there before. In 
order to cut the time from their journey, they'd had to emerge as close to the gas giant as possible, taking 
into account that he'd no real idea of where the craft that would inevitably be there would be deployed. 
But they'd made it, and been escorted in to Haven itself. 

Tirak had asked him to handle the emergence and landing 
at Haven, since he'd been there before. In 
order to cut the time from their journey, they'd had to emerge as close to the gas giant as possible, taking 
into account that he'd no real idea of where the craft that would inevitably be there would be deployed. 
But they'd made it, and been escorted in to Haven itself. 

Kaid looked up. A group of gray-clad Sholans was running 
forward to surround the craft. One of them 
was Human. A lone figure stood off to one side by the elevator. 
L'Seuli. 
Hello, there, Kaid, Carrie, came Brynne's thought. Commander 
L'Seuli says he knows you'll 

understand the need for the security. 
He sounds bouncy, Carrie commented. 
/ see you joined up, sent Kaid. 
Done a lot of things recently. How you all doing? Anyone 
hurt? 
T'Chebbi's injured. Arm wound, not serious, but we're all exhausted. 
Brace yourselves. Dzaou, the tan one, he's in charge. He wants our lot all debriefed immediately. 


Not the Profit crew, just your group. He's got an Attitude problem with us Humans 
and telepaths. 
Figures. We'll be out shortly. Middle cargo air lock, port side. 
Gotcha. 


"They'll want to debrief us," said Kaid to Tirak as he got to his feet. "Not you, though. See they put you 
somewhere comfortable and feed you. I said we'd exit from the cargo bay." 

Tirak nodded. "I want to have a word with you about Jeran. He's asked to join my crew. All his friends 
and family 
are dead. Says he's got nothing to go back for." 

"Wants to stay with Giyesh." 

"I'm a military ship, Kaid, so are my people," he said awkwardly. "If I were a trading vessel, it might be 
different. I shouldn't have let Giyesh take up with him, but she's the youngest and she needed someone 
during our captivity. If it becomes general knowledge on Home, she'll find herself compromised when it 
comes to finding a mate." 

"Then why not let them stay together? Tell Home you need him as an ambassador. Because of the time 
he spent on Jalna, he's got a good working knowledge of the Free Traders, and he's Sholan. Perfect for 
the job," he said, knowing if he wasn't so tired, he'd be amused. "Request him from the one called 
L'Seuli. Tell him, if he asks, I said yes." 

Tirak nodded. "You make a good argument for him, one I think even our people will accept." 

Kaid patted him on the shoulder as he went past. "Got something to see to before we debark," he said. 

Carrie and the others had gathered in the mess with their belongings. "You go on down to the cargo bay 
and wait for me," he said as they got onto the elevator. "I want to catch Rezac on his own. We'll bring 
Zsurtul." 

As Kaid and Rezac, with Zsurtul between them, came across from the elevator, Tirak opened the outer 


hatch and extended the ramp. Cold air surged in around them, making 
him shiver as he joined Carrie. 
"Well come back," called out Brynne as they began to walk down the ramp onto Haven. 
"Good to be back," said Kaid, watching as the Sholan wearing the insignia of a lieutenant stepped 


forward. 


"Well come to Haven," Dzaou said to them. He gestured two males forward. "Prince Zsurtul, my people 
will escort you to your new quarters. The commander of this facility will be along to see you shortly." 
"Lieutenant Dzaou," said Kaid as their hostage was led away, "Prince Zsurtul has been cooperative with 


us. May I recommend you bear this in mind?" 


Dzaou barely looked at him before turning to the U'Chu-rians and Cabbarans. "Captain Tirak, my people 
will escort you and your crew to your quarters, where a meal awaits you." 
At least they're treating Tirak decently, sent Carrie, eyeing the group of Brothers and Sisters that were 


moving to surround 
them. 
As Tirak and the others were led to the elevator and L'Seuli, Dzaou finally turned to them. 
"We're taking you up to level two for debriefing, then you'll be shown to your quarters." 
"My people are exhausted, Lieutenant Dzaou," said Kaid. "Can't this wait? We need food and sleep, and 


clean clothes. We've got civilians and younglings with us." 


"All that will have to wait, Brother Kaid. You know the protocol as well as anyone. The Prime ship is 
only a day behind you. We have very little time." 
"What's your gift, Lieutenant?" asked Carrie. 
Startled, Dzaou looked at her. "Excuse me?" 
"Gift. All Brothers have a psi gift. What's yours? Or do you have anyone capable of receiving telepathic 


communications, 
apart from Brynne?" 
The seven guards looked at each other, then Zhiko spoke. "I can receive a little. Why?" 
Carrie stepped toward her and instantly six rifles came up to bear on her. The only one that didn't was 


Brynne's. She ignored Kaid's mental warning as she stared at the Brothers ringing them. 
"Don't be ridiculous," she said. "Do you think we es-caped from the Primes to come here and kill you?" 


She looked round them. "You do! Of all the damned foolish ideas! I'm too damned tired to be bothered 
with your games of soldiers." 
Dzaou stepped forward. "Let's get moving," he said, indicating 
the elevator with his gun barrel. 
"Is there a problem?" asked L'Seuli as he strolled over. "Well come back, Kaid, Carrie. T'Chebbi, I 


didn't realize you were injured," he said, gesturing toward the medics still standing by the elevator. "Or 
that there was a pregnant female with you. Jo, isn't it? Lieutenant Dzaou, see these two females are taken 
straight to the sick bay," he said. 

"I'm going with her," said Rezac. "So's Zashou. We're Linked as a Triad." 
"Take them as well," said L'Seuli to the medics. "And for the Gods' sake, see they're fed." 



"I want a Brother to accompany them," said Dzaou. 
"I'm a Brother," said Rezac. "No need for anyone else." 
"That's not sufficient!" 
"They're hardly going to cause any trouble, Lieutenant," said L'Seuli dryly. "They're so exhausted they 


can barely stand." 
"Take them to sick bay," ordered Dzaou through clenched teeth. 
"The younglings, Commander L'Seuli, do they have to be debriefed right now? Can't it wait?" asked 


Kaid quietly. 


L'Seuli looked at them. The male was only about sixteen, the female he couldn't guess, not having any 
experience of Humans. 
"She's sixteen, too," said Carrie. 
"Kate and Taynar, isn't it?" L'Seuli asked, getting tired nods in reply from them. "Taeo, take them to the 


dorm. They should be in their beds at this time of night." 
"That just leaves the three of us," said Kaid. 
L'Seuli looked at Kaid. "Never straightforward when you're involved, is it, Kaid?" 
"I do my best, Commander," he murmured, letting his tail sway gently. 
"No, I want you three debriefed. Jeran was with M'ezo-zakk's ship until Jalna. His information is 


invaluable to us. I'll debrief you myself, and see you're fed, but it will be done tonight," he said firmly. 


Carrie stepped up to him and linked an arm through his. "In that case, since you insist so nicely, 
Commander L'Seuli," she said, smiling up at him as she began walking him toward the elevator. 
Dzaou looked on speechless, then powered down his gun and, slinging it over his shoulder, gestured 


Kaid and Jeran to follow them. 
Quite put him off his stride, we did, Carrie sent to Kaid. 
"Master Lijou warned me about you," said L'Seuli in an undertone to Carrie. "I take it Brynne updated 


you as you landed." 
"Forewarned is forearmed. You don't really think we've been brainwashed, do you?" 
"It's a possibility." 
"All you have to do is ask Vriuzu to read us. He knows us, and he'll be able to tell you right away. He 


says he'd be happy to do it." 
L'Seuli stopped in his tracks. "You've contacted him already? 
Of course you have. Why didn't I think of 


that?" He shook his head and started moving again. "I should have. I'll get him to join us in the debriefing 
room." 
"Already done. Another problem solved," she said. "You're just not used to having the resources of us 


tele-paths at your command, that's all." 



Dzaou was too taken aback to be angry at the partial collapse of his plan. As he walked in the rear of 
their small party, he analyzed what had happened. The commander had been right. The pregnant Human 
and the injured Sister should have been sent to the sick bay. As for the other two, well, he sighed 
inwardly, if he thought of a Triad as being Leska partners plus one, then there was a justification for 
sending them, too. He hadn't been aware that the male, Rezac, was a Brother. He and his original Leska 
were the two from the stasis cube and therefore from the past. How could he be a Brother? 

Dzaou was too taken aback to be angry at the partial collapse of his plan. As he walked in the rear of 
their small party, he analyzed what had happened. The commander had been right. The pregnant Human 
and the injured Sister should have been sent to the sick bay. As for the other two, well, he sighed 
inwardly, if he thought of a Triad as being Leska partners plus one, then there was a justification for 
sending them, too. He hadn't been aware that the male, Rezac, was a Brother. He and his original Leska 
were the two from the stasis cube and therefore from the past. How could he be a Brother? 
s 
partners, as is my right." 
Startled, he looked at him, actually noticing him for the first time. "You're a telepath, too." 
"The first Triad," agreed Kaid. 
Dzaou looked from him to Carrie and the commander. 
"With her," Kaid confirmed as they waited for the elevator 
to return. 


"You've been an active Brother for years. How can you be a telepath?" Dzaou demanded. 
"It's a long story, and not relevant right now," said Kaid. "What is important is that I'm well enough rested 
for tomorrow. 
So let's get this debriefing over as quickly as possible, 
shall we?" 


Dzaou bristled at the implicit order. 


"We're En'Shalla, we don't need a rank," said Carrie, her voice a silky purr as she turned round to look 
at him. "Do we, Commander?" 
"As negotiator, Kaid carries the rank of Ambassador," L'Seuli said smoothly as the elevator doors slid 


open. 
As good as his word, L'Seuli had provided the three of them with hot food during their debriefing. Vriuzu 


had let Carrie send the information to him, which had helped keep the session as short as possible. He'd 
then gone to check on the others and pronounced them all of sound mind. 
After a short consultation between L'Seuli and Dzaou, they'd been told they were free to go where they 


wished on the station. 
"Commander, a word in private, if you please," said Kaid as they prepared to leave. 
L'Seuli glanced at Dzaou, who nodded and left with Jeran. "What is it, Kaid?" 
"We need our own room, L'Seuli," said Carrie, idly toying 
with the paper and stylus that lay in front of 


her. 


"The situation between us is a little more complex than I said," Kaid began as he walked over to stand 
beside her. 
"I did wonder," said L'Seuli, watching them. "Brynne told me it happened with him and Keeza." 
Carrie looked up. "Keeza?" 
"You haven't had a chance to talk to him yet. He's life-bonded to a Sholan called Keeza, a gene-altered 


telepath like yourselves. He's found that with Vanna so pregnant, he's formed an almost Leska-like Link 
with her." 


"Brynne, married? Good grief." 
"I take it she's here with him," said Kaid. "That explains his good humor." 
"I'll arrange a private room immediately for you," said L'Seuli, reaching for his desk comm. 
"Thank you," said Kaid as Carrie's hand came up to touch his where it lay on her shoulder. 
"Is everything fine at home?" she asked. "I had disturbing 
dreams while I was in cryo." 
"We had a crisis while you were away, but it's over now," said L'Seuli. "Kezule escaped." 
Carrie's hand tightened her grip on him and he could feel her sudden anxiety. "I knew he had! Kashini, is 


she safe? Nothing's happened to her, has it?" 
"Kashini is fine," reassured L'Seuli. "No one was hurt." 
"What happened?" asked Kaid. 
"He got onto the estate and managed to take Dzaka, Kitra, and Kashini hostage. Thanks to Kitra, 


however, we managed to recapture him. He's in sick bay right now, still in a coma." 
Carrie shut her eyes as visions of what could have happened 
flashed through her mind. 
But they didn't,' she's fine, sent Kaid. "Why take them?" 
"He wanted to be returned to his own time." 
"But that's impossible without at least two telepaths and the la'quo." He looked at L'Seuli. "Tell me he 


didn't have the la'quo." Fears for his son filled him. He knew what the drug could do. 


"Kezule was given some la'quo resin and did force them to take it, but as I said, Kitra was able to deal 


with the situation. She mentally knocked out Kezule and we were able to get in and get them out." 


"What about the effects of the drug on them?" 


"None, except…" 


"What?" demanded Kaid, hands clenching inadvertently on Carrie's shoulders. "Tell me!" 


"He and Kitra are Leska-bonded," said L'Seuli with a smile. 


"Is that all?" asked Carrie in a faint voice. 


"That's all," said L'Seuli. "Apparently the effects of their bonding burned out the drug from their systems. 


Vanna checked them over thoroughly." He reached in his pocket and handed Carrie a crystal cube. 


"They knew you'd be worried, so they sent this for you with Brynne. We got it yesterday." 


Almost sick with relief, Kaid sat down again as L'Seuli pushed his comm over to them. 
"Brynne said that Kitra and Dzaka plan to life-bond as soon as this is over," he added as Carrie inserted 
the cube into the reader slot. 


"I told you she'd have Dzaka," Carrie said. 


Zashou couldn't sleep. Getting up, she left the dorm quietly, 
going to the mess and recreation halls. 



Getting herself a drink, she headed for an empty table. At this time of night, there were quite a few of 


them. 
She sat there, looking around her, finding the Sholan surroundings almost alien. In her time, they'd had 
nothing like this. No space travel even. She watched a couple get up from another table and head in her 
direction. The Human she recognized immediately, Kris, but the female was unknown to her. 


"Can we join you?" Kris asked. "This is Zhiko. She was among the Brothers who met you earlier." 
She nodded, remembering her now. 
"Can't sleep?" asked Kris sympathetically, slipping into the seat opposite. 
"No." 
"How's Jo and Rezac? I hear Carrie's fine now." 
"Jo's pregnant," she said abruptly, lifting her glass to take a drink. Her hand shook and she put it down 


again hurriedly. 
Kris nodded. "I had a feeling she was before you left. How are you coping?" 
"What's to cope with?" she asked. "He's delirious about it. She's all he could want—a fighter like him! I 


even messed up between him and his son!" 
"His son?" asked Kris. 
"Kaid! Kaid's his son." Something wet landed on her hand. She brushed it away. "I accused him of trying 


to start an affair with him, so T'Chebbi told me he was his father." 
"Rezac is Kaid's father? How?" 
"When he went back to the Fire Margins, he sent himself forward in time." A damp spot appeared 


between her hands this time and she realized it was tears. Hurriedly she put her hands to her face, trying 
to scrub them away, but they wouldn't stop. 
Kris' arms were suddenly round her, holding her close, hiding her face against his chest while she wept. 
"It could have been me, Kris. It should have been, if only I hadn't been so blind and so frightened." 


Another hand stroked her head; a soothing, feminine voice spoke. "What were you frightened of, kitling?" 
"Of his fighting, of us dying because of it. We had no choice, the Valtegans were everywhere, taking us 
captive as their slaves and pets," she wept, clutching Kris' jacket. "Oh, Gods, why did I have to push him 
away because I was so afraid of losing him?" 

"It happens all the time, kitling," Zhiko said gently, continuing 
to stroke her hair. "We make what we fear 
most happen because waiting for it is worse." She looked at Kris over Zashou's head. "Let me take her. 
You get help," she whispered. 

"I'll get a medic," he mouthed back. 
She shook her head, moving closer to the distraught female, 
putting her arms round her. "Get Rezac." 
Carefully, Kris let her take Zashou from him. 



"No male is worth all this crying, kitling," she ^aid, guiding 
Zashou's head onto her shoulder. "There'll be 
others, you wait and see. Ones more appreciative of you." 
"I love him! He's my Leska and I'm losing even that now she's carrying his cub." 
"She's taking him away from you?" 
"No, not like that. It's me. I've pushed him away for so long that he really believes I don't love him." 
"Have you ever told him you do?" she asked. 
"I couldn't! He's always so capable, so strong, and I'm nothing but scared. He despises me." 


"Do you want him? If you do, you have to fight for him." 
Zashou lifted her head, pulling back slightly to look at Zhiko. "Fight? I can't fight for him!" she said, 
wiping the tears away. 


"Sure you can. You start by telling him the truth about how you feel. Face up to him like a warrior, then 
you'll start to earn his respect, and maybe get back his love." Zhiko saw Zashou's face change and knew 
Kris had returned 
with Rezac. "Remember, face him like a warrior, not a mewling kit," she said, getting 
up. 

Rezac looked tired as he nodded his thanks to Zhiko and sat down opposite her. 
"What's all this about, Zashou? Kris said, you were in a state and needed me." 
"I didn't know he'd gone for you," she said, looking down at the table. 
"You seem all right to me. You really pick your times, don't you?" he said, beginning to get up again. 
"Don't go!" she said, reaching out to stop him. "I need to talk to you. I want to talk." 
"What is it? I'm tired, Zashou. I don't have time for your jealous tirades." 
This was probably her last chance. She had to tell him now. "Yes, I'm jealous," she said quietly. "When I 


see you and Jo together, I realize we could have had that if I hadn't been so scared of losing you." She 
watched the look of incredulity cross his face. "I lied to you," she said in a rush. "I pretended to myself 
and you that I didn't love you when I did. You were right when you said you felt it on our Link days." 


"You were scared of losing me?" 
She nodded. "You'd always been a fighter. Up in Ranz, and when the Valtegans came. It's what attracted 
me to you from the first, until we became Leskas." She looked back at the table, hardly aware she was 
clenching her claws into her own hands at the effort to tell him this. "I'm not like you, Rezac. I'm too 
scared of danger, and with our Link, every time you faced it, so did I. I didn't want you to be killed, or 


me. You don't know what it's like, when you're a coward, to be Linked to someone who looks danger 
in the eye and isn't afraid." 
"You think I'm not afraid?" he asked after a moment's silence. "How wrong you are. I'm terrified, 


Zashou. I don't want to die either. I'm surprised you never felt my fear." 
"Never." 
"You must have thought it was your own." He reached across the table for her hands. "You're bleeding," 



he said, separating them. "You weren't a coward, you know. Like the time you turned on Q'emgo'h." 
"That wasn't brave. He was repulsive." She shuddered at the memory. "I was terrified." 
"But that's what courage is. Being afraid and still doing it. You could have given in, agreed to pair with 


him, but you didn't, even though it could have cost you your life." 
"That was for myself, though." 
"What about all the times you worked on the minds of those Court guards, turning them against each 


other over several weeks? You were frightened of them realizing what you were doing, I know you were. 
And when we snuck out to the hatchery to make those eggs and the females sterile? I couldn't have done 
it alone, you know that." 


She looked away again. They'd had to use the extra energy 
they created when they paired for that, and 
the memory 
both embarrassed and worried her. 


"Why does it worry you?" he asked. 
"Because we don't have Link days anymore, and I want them back, Rezac. I do love you, and I can't 
face the thought of not being connected to you again," she said, fresh tears springing to her eyes. 


"Carrie says our Link days will likely return in a week or two, when Jo's Talent shuts down because of 


our cub." 
She felt her hand lifted, then the touch of his tongue on the cuts she'd managed to give herself. She 
tightened her hand on his. "Don't leave me, Rezac. I've loved you for so long. I should have told you, I 
know." 


"You've told me now, that's what matters," he said softly. "Come back to bed. With me. Now. Because 
you choose to." 
"Because I love you?" 
"Because we love each other." 


* * * 

Day 43 

"Picking up emerging jump signal, Captain Zhaddu. Dead ahead. And incoming message," said the comm 


operator. 
"Sound full alert. Target emergence point on the view screen," ordered Zhaddu, running to his command 
post. "Looks like they've arrived, Commander." 


"Nothing on visual, Captain, but there's something out there," said comms. 
"Keep tracking. Where's that signal?" he demanded. 
"On audio now." 
The speaker came to life. "This is Kz'adul, science ship of His Imperial Majesty the God-King, Emperor 


Cheu'-ko'h. Be advised, our purpose is peaceful. Request instructions." 
The message began to repeat 
itself. 


"Still nothing on visual," said comms. "But it's out there, by the smaller moon." 
"Open a reply channel," said Zhaddu. 
"Channel open, Captain." 
"Captain Zhaddu of the Allied Worlds here. Your request 
acknowledged and granted. Place yourselves 


in close orbit around the planetary body adjacent to your point of exit and remain there." 
For several minutes, nothing was visible on the screen. 
"Dead ahead," said L'Seuli quietly, as his eye caught a flicker amid the backdrop of stars. It became 


stronger, wavering 
slightly, until the diamond-shaped Prime ship Kz'adul 
was clearly visible. 
In their room, Carrie and Kaid heard the alarm. 
"The Kz'adul" said Kaid. "It's arrived." 
"I know," said Carrie, moving closer to him. 
"We need to get up now." 
"It's still our time. We've another few hours, surely." 
"We have," he agreed, surprised as she began to slide her legs round his. Realization came to him as he 


sensed her need to feel herself encircled by his body. "You're afraid," he said softly. "Of what they've 


done to Kusac." 
"I'm afraid for him," she whispered, wrapping her arms around his back as he held her tighter within his. 
"He's been a telepath since he was a youngling, he knows nothing else. If they've taken that from him, I 
don't know if he can cope, if he'll want to go on living." 


"Whatever they've done, we'll find a way to manage, you know that. You mustn't be afraid, not even for 
him. He'll know if you are, even if he can't sense you. He'll see it in your eyes, your body." He reached 
for her chin, tilting it up till he could kiss her. 


I'm afraid for him, too, Dzinae. Afraid of why they're controlling him, what they want him to do. 
Do what I do, lose the fear in your work. We have to be cold and calm if 

we're to be able to do what's right. Reluctantly, he broke the kiss. 
"We'll have several hours before they've negotiated the exchange details. We need to use that time to get 
the landing 
bay ready the way I want it, never mind what Lieutenant 
Dzaou wants. We've got dampers, 
we can use them until the Primes actually arrive. Then I want you, Rezac, Brynne, and me picking up 
what color sheets each one of the Primes use." 


She grinned at that. 
"That's better." 
"Arrange it so there are eight guards and eight negotiators 
on each side, Commander, plus a medical 


team, not to exceed a doctor and three medics. A total of twenty people each." 
"The breakdown?" asked L'Seuli. 



"A senior officer, the negotiator, three advisers, an interpreter, 
recorder, and in our case, an official 
telepath." 


"Who are you taking?" 
"Carrie, Rezac, Brynne, Jurrel, Banner, and T'Chebbi, with Jo, Zashou, and Keeza out of sight but 
nearby for backup." said Kaid. "Vriuzu with us, and Joisha with the backup." 


"My unit's supposed to be providing security for you," said Dzaou. "You've too many vulnerable people 
there." 


"I'm the negotiator, I want my team with me. All visible personnel but Brynne are seasoned fighters." 
"Brynne's not in dispute," said Dzaou. "It's the others. For a start, I don't want some overemotional 
female there." 


Kaid looked at him. "Just who do you mean?" 
"You know I mean his Leska." 
Kaid turned back to L'Seuli. "Then there's no problem. Kusac has no Leska right now, does he, 


Commander?" 


L'Seuli tapped his claws on the table. "He has a point, Dzaou. She isn't technically Kusac's Leska, she's 
Kaid's right now. Nor have I seen her being overemotional." 
Dzaou glared at the back of Kaid's head. "She will be when he's brought out." 
"I don't tell you how to run the internal workings of your unit, despite the fact it's only been a few days 


since you left Winter. Don't try to tell me how to run mine, when 


I've been working with them for nearly a year." Kaid's voice was very quiet. "I not only work for the 
good of Shola, but for Vartra, too." 
While he spoke, he was watching L'Seuli's face. Only the slightest movement of one ear tip betrayed he'd 


struck a nerve without saying he had knowledge that was forbidden. 
"Kaid uses his own team. You'll back him up," said L'Seuli abruptly. "He has experience of the Primes, 
and Kusac is his sword-brother. Work with him, Dzaou." As they got up to leave, L'Seuli said one more 
thing. "Full body armor, Kaid." 


She couldn't wear it on Jalna, Commander. They were body searched before they were allowed 
out of the spaceport, he sent, as he acknowledged the order and left the room. And they didn't have 
time after they teamed up with Ashay and the shuttle. 

L'Seuli began to wonder if Master Rhyaz was trying to teach him something very subtle by giving him this 
as his first major command. 

A junior Brother came running up to Kaid with a note as he left the commander's office. "From the 
Physician, Ambassador," he said, thumping his chest in an enthusiastic 
salute. 

Raising an eye ridge, Kaid took it from him. "At ease," he murmured, trying to remember being that 
young himself. 
He scanned the report and handed it back to him. "No reply," he said, then turned to 
Dzaou. "We need our own runner. Can you get us one?" 


Dzaou beckoned Ngio over. "Get us allocated a runner from the duty officer," he said. "Meet us…" He 
looked at Kaid. 

Dzaou beckoned Ngio over. "Get us allocated a runner from the duty officer," he said. "Meet us…" He 
looked at Kaid. 

Ngio nodded and headed off. 

"What have we got that the Primes don't have?" Kaid asked Dzaou as they headed back to the dorms. 
"Tele-paths. We have nine on this station of two hundred souls. I'd lay odds the other outposts have one 
at most. Until now, Stronghold has only had those it's recruited. Telepaths are rare, Leska pairs, let alone 
Triads, even rarer. Four of mine have experience reading Valtegan minds, Dzaou. Do you know that 
training to read the minds of other species normally takes years? My telepaths can pick up the Primes' 
surface thoughts, know if they're planning any subversive action before it actually happens. Think of the 
advantage that gives us." 

"Good point," he admitted grudgingly. "So long as the Primes don't have personal dampers like you." 

"Most of them didn't. Think of it as a way of getting extra guards past the Primes," he said as they 
stopped at the dorm doors. "I'll meet you with your people in the landing bay in fifteen minutes." 

"Captain Tirak and his crew are in the briefing room, Commander," said Lydda, popping her head round 
his door. 

"Coming," said L'Seuli, getting up. "Have you laid on adequate seating for our Cabbaran allies?" 

"Yes, sir." 

"What did you do?" 

"Tables piled with blankets," she said with a grin, as they walked down the corridor. "Annuur claims he's 
got the best view." 

"They're the official ambassadors for their worlds, Lydda. They've a right to see what involves them. 
Thank the Gods we don't have any more ambassadors!" 

"From my experience, these people are easy to handle. Not like the Chemerians." 

"No one's like them," said L'Seuli as they went in. 

Tirak rose to greet him. "Thank you for this courtesy, Commander. I hope you don't mind, but I took the 
liberty of inviting Jeran, as well as Kate and Taynar, in to watch. As civilians, they'd be the last to know 
what was happening to the people they lived with for so many weeks." 

L'Seuli frowned, then decided there were far more pressing 
matters to worry about than three civilians. 
"In the circumstances, I think we can overlook their presence," he said. "I just came to see you were 
comfortable. There's a drinks and snacks dispenser over there if you want anything. 
You may have a 
long wait, I'm afraid." 

"I just wish we could be of help." 

"You have been, Captain. Without you, none of our people 
would have escaped. Did you get your 
message sent?" 

"Yes. The comms officer said it would be relayed to our home world as soon as the carrier left this 
sector." 


L'Seuli nodded. "Good. I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me now, I've got things to attend to." 
"Of course, Commander." 
Laughter drew Kaid's glance over to the rear of the hangar, 
where Carrie and the others were being 


fitted with armored suits. 
The smallest suits are too big for T'Chebbi and me, sent Carrie. 
Where are they too big? 
Leg length for a start. 
What about torso? 
You could get two of me in it! T'Chebbi at least has the body for it. 
I'm on my way. He handed the list to his runner. "Get those items brought down here immediately," he 


said. "You know where I want them put, so set them up when they arrive. Conscript anyone you need to 
help you. The mess is a good place to go for off-duty personnel." 


"Yes, sir," said the junior, disappearing at a run. 
He headed down to the suiting area. Carrie stood there, swamped by the gray formed body armor. "Cut 
it down to size," he said, checking his wrist comm. "You've got an hour. She can wear a skin suit 
underneath to give her vacuum 
protection," he said to the engineer in charge. 


"You're kidding! Sir." 


"No, I'm not! Get to it immediately! And get someone else fixing the legs for T'Chebbi at the same time. 


Have you checked helmets?" 


"Helmets fit fine," said Carrie. 


T'Chebbi nodded, unconsciously giving her injured arm a rub. 


"You up to this, T'Chebbi?" he asked. 


"Sure. Just an ache, nothing more. Won't stop me thinking 
or shooting." 


"Everyone else kitted out?" He looked round the others. 


"No problems," said Rezac. "Do you want Zashou and Jo suited up, too?" 


"No, the command office has air locks and is pressurized in the event of an emergency. The four crew 


standing by to help won't be suited, but they're near the elevator." 
"How long now?" asked Carrie as the engineer helped her out of the suit. 
"Three hours," he said. "I'm getting some food and drink sent down for us in an hour and a half. 


Something light. It'll settle our stomachs." 
"I didn't feel this bad before my Challenge," said Carrie. 
Zhiko looked at her. "You fought a Challenge?" 



"I challenged Kusac's betrothed for the right to marry him," she said. 
"I'm impressed." 
"What she isn't saying is it ended up a Blood-Rite to the death," said Brynne. 
"You fought a Blood-Rite?" asked Dzaou. 
Carrie shrugged. "Didn't have an option. She changed the rules in the middle of the fight. There wasn't 


time to stop it." 
"You won," he said. 
"Just. I'd rather not talk about it," she said, following the engineer into his workroom. 
"Vartra was with her that day," said Kaid quietly. "She nearly died, and she did lose her first cub. Back 


to work, people," he said more loudly. "If you're finished, go help our junior bring down the tables and 
chairs, or the medics their equipment." 

* * * 

Chy'qui was working late in his lab, running through the data he'd acquired from J'koshuk before the 
TeLaxaudin had had to insert the main implant in him. He was correlating 
it to the answers J'koshuk had 
accepted from the Sho-lan, Kusac. There were certainly areas now where, judging from his previous 
sessions with the crew of the M'ijikk, he'd accepted answers from Kusac he'd previously have 
discounted as lies. And the M'ijikk sessions were before his neck implant was fully operational. 

Had he been developing a form of telepathy because of the electromagnetic stimulation from the neck 
implant? Or had he been becoming unstable, as the TeLaxaud doctor, Kzizysus, had said? J'koshuk 
hadn't been unstable in the sense Kzizysus meant. The point of the experiment was to see if it was 
possible to turn a warrior into a telepath, and to do that, he couldn't suppress the priest's aggressive 
nature 
completely. It would have been interesting to see if the trend had continued, but that was no 
longer possible. Still, he would find how the impulse generator and the main implant interacted. That in 
itself was a worthwhile experiment. 

A knock on the door made him cover his notes up before calling out. 

"Seniormost," said Zhy'edd as he came in, making sure the door closed behind him. Approaching the 
desk, he held out a small container to Chy'qui. "The sample you asked for." 

"She got it?" asked Chy'qui, taking it from him. "How old is it?" 

"Fifteen, maybe twenty minutes. I waited for her in a room around the corner." 

"Excellent. And the drug. She gave him the drug?" 

Zhy'edd nodded. "On her skin, like you said. N'koshoh said he was no trouble. Within a couple of 
minutes, he was as docile and obliging as she could want." 

Chy'qui handed the sample back to him. "Tell N'koshoh she did well. Prepare this immediately for 
storage in stasis with the others. Good work, Zhy'edd." 

* * * 

"There must be some clothes left in the suite they were in. They didn't take anything with them," he heard 


her saying. Her tone was sharp, she wasn't pleased with whoever 
it was. 

her saying. Her tone was sharp, she wasn't pleased with whoever 
it was. 

Getting to his feet, he glanced around, wondering what to look at first. A day room, she'd called it. The 
walls were a warm gray, not particularly soothing though she'd said they were. A dining table with hard 
chairs, where he'd eaten, the soft chairs on which he'd been sitting. There was a unit with what looked 
like book tapes in it, and a large vid screen near the door. She'd said the vid screen was disabled right 
now, but then he remembered her saying a lot of things recently. Some of them hadn't made much sense. 

He decided to head for the door, but as he got close, it slid open unexpectedly, making him jump back in 
surprise. 

"You're looking around now, are you? That's good," she said, coming in with a gray tunic and a belt 
folded over her arm. "I've brought you some clothes. They were left behind by your friends." She held 
them out to him. 

"Thank you," he said, taking them from her. This close, he could smell her scent. It was almost familiar. 
He sniffed again, trying to remember. 

"Last night," he said, reaching out to feel her face with the fingertips of his other hand. Her skin was softer 
than it looked, faintly warm and pleasant to the touch. "Last night, someone came to my room. Was it 
you?" 

She moved away from him, going farther into the room. "Not me. No one should have come near you 
except for your guard. You must have been dreaming." 

He turned to keep her in sight, noticing she did the same. The skin around her eyes was creased. 

"She said it was a dream." He returned to the chair, putting the belt over the back of it before pulling his 
tunic over his head. Taking up the belt, he fastened it on. "She put the light out as she came in, I think 
because she wanted me to think she was Human. She felt like one at first, but wasn't. She was one of 
you." 

Zayshul came closer. "One of us, a female, came to you last night?" She couldn't believe what he was 
saying. 

He nodded. "She wanted me physically." 

"And did you?" 

He gave her a slow, Human smile. "She was persuasive, for a dream." 

"What did she look like? Did she give you a name?" Who could have gone to him? Only Med Research 
staff knew he was here, and she was the only female who had access to him. 

"I thought it was you. It was only a dream, so how could I see her or know her name?" 

She took his hand, leading him to a chair and making him sit, before crouching in front of him. Taking a 
scanner the size of a small comp pad out of her pocket, she put it close to the implant under his ear. 


"Do you remember what I told you earlier, Kusac?" she asked quietly as she pressed several controls. 

"Do you remember what I told you earlier, Kusac?" she asked quietly as she pressed several controls. 

Glancing at the door, she continued. "Yes, that's right. Someone wanting this treaty we're proposing to 
fail, did things to you they shouldn't have done. Experiments to do with your telepathy. You're feeling 
content and rather forgetful, aren't you? That's because your visitor last night drugged you. I've done 
what I can to counteract it, but you must fight it and try to remember what I told you. Tell your people 
they mustn't let this person win. We need this treaty with Shola!" 

He frowned, touching her face again. "You're frightened. 
Why?" 

"A friend trying to get more information for me has disappeared, and last night while I was out, my office 
was torn apart. They were looking for something, but I don't know what." 

"You're taking me back to my people. Come with me," he said on impulse. 

"I can't." She put the scanner back, then froze, pulling another container out of her pocket and looking at 
it before hastily stuffing it back in. He saw her skin had suddenly paled. 

A siren sounded outside. Three short blasts. "We have to go now." She stood up, grasping his hand and 
pulling him to his feet. "You're not just some big, dumb creature, are you? You've been drugged all along. 
You've got to fight it, Kusac!" 

The door slid open to admit two guards in armor. 

"We're ready," Zayshul said. 

They came over to him, each taking him by an arm, and led him out into the corridor. 

When they reached the landing bay, a shuttle stood waiting 
for them. Boarding it were armor-clad 
Primes, several of them wearing the gray over-tabard of the Seniormost. As his guards led him toward it, 
he looked over his shoulder 
for her, seeing her being helped into her armor. Beyond her, he could see 
the red-robed priest emerging from the elevator cage. 

Something stirred in his memory. He reached for it, teasing 
it, but it refused to surface. 

CHAPTER 19 

THEY stood against the wall by the elevator in the landing bay, watching as the Primes' shuttle 
maneuvered into the position drawn out for it on the deck. As it settled to the ground, the whine of the 
engines began to slow to a gradual 
stop. 

Kaid glanced down the line at Carrie, Vriuzu, T'Chebbi, and L'Seuli, who, like himself, were helmetless. 
"You hear the siren, go for your helmets," he reminded them quietly. The rest, designated as guards, were 
fully armored. 

Dzaou led his group forward, rifles at the ready as they formed a line forty yards from the shuttle's air 
lock. As the iris opened, the first of the Prime guards appeared. In quick succession, seven of them 
emerged, armed with energy pistols. 
They fanned out ten feet from their vehicle, giving cover to their 
negotiators as they came down the ramp. J'koshuk's unprotected body and red robes stood out visibly 
against the black-armored Primes. 

Keep calm, Kaid sent to Carrie as he felt her stiffen beside 
him. He can't get near you. If he tries, he's 


dead. 

dead. 
, 
Vriuzu, and Lydda formed a third rank, Brynne neatly stepped past Kaid to stand behind Rezac. 
"Open order," murmured Dzaou. The front rank parted, allowing Kaid and Carrie through. At the rear, 


L'Seuli moved forward to take their place, leaving Vriuzu and Lydda in the rear rank. 
"Close order," said Dzaou, and the ranks closed up. Now they were ready. 
From the other side, a figure wearing the gray tabard of a Seniormost stepped out from behind the 


guards. He wore no helmet, and Kaid noticed his tabard was edged with gold. 
Link with me, he heard Carrie send to the other tele-paths. He sensed the network build until she drew 


him into its web to complete it. Through it, he became more aware of those around him, and the Valtegan 
standing opposite. 
"I am Commander Q'ozoi, of the Kz'adul," the Valtegan 
said. 
Kaid remained where he was. "I'm Kaid Tallinu. I speak for Commander Kheal of Haven, and the 


people of Shola. I believe we have hostages to exchange." 


"We have, but that's only part of our purpose. We wish to negotiate a treaty with you. An alliance against 
a common 
foe." 
"Hostages first," said Kaid firmly. "What better measure of good will can we show each other?" 
"As you say. You have a member of my crew. Zsurtul." 
"We have Prince Zsurtul," corrected Kaid. "And you have Kusac Aldatan." 
Commander Q'ozoi made a gesture of embarrassment. "You indeed have our Prince. Let me see him and 


I'll have Kusac brought out." 
Kaid raised his hand in a signal to the medics still standing 
by the elevator. They parted, revealing Prince 


Zsurtul standing in the charge of Banner. Leading him forward, Banner escorted the Prince toward the 
Sholan group, taking 
up a position with him at the end of the front line beside Maikoi. 
"You can see that your Prince is safe and well," Kaid said. "Now Kusac." 
Q'ozoi turned to a guard, issuing a guttural command, then waited while he ran to the shuttle, shouting up 


to someone inside. At the open air lock, two armored figures, one without a helmet, emerged holding a 


wrist-cuffed Kusac by the arms. 
Kaid could hear Carrie sucking in a gasp as she saw him, felt her shock ripple through their web. Kusac 
looked dazed and confused, and at one side of his neck, the hair had been shaved back. 


Cold and calm, he reminded her. Can you pick him up at all? 
No. There's nothing, not even a sense of him being there. 
Then he's either drugged or they've got a damper on him. 

The air in this landing bay was chill and held familiar scents. The guard gave Kusac a shove, urging him 
out. 


"Don't push him," Zayshul said angrily. 

"Don't push him," Zayshul said angrily. 

"You have seen Kusac," he heard someone say. "Now show us Kezule." 

"After we have Kusac." 

The voice sounded familiar. He tried to remember. 

"That's not acceptable." 

"My decision is non-negotiable." 

It was Kaid. 

"This is Haven," said Zayshul quietly as they came to a stop. "You remember Haven? You told us to 
bring you here." 

He nodded. The chill air, coupled with the cold of the deck beneath his feet, was making him shiver after 
the warmth of the shuttle. He moved his hands, feeling the weight of the cuffs round them. "The collar. Do 
I still wear it?" 

She looked at him closely, examining his face, then shook her head. "No, I removed it several days ago. 
It should never have been put on you. It's a punishment collar and rarely used." 

He looked around, seeing only the wall of Seniormost and Prime guards. Then he saw the red robe in 
front of him. 

"J'koshuk," he said quietly. 

"Yes, the priest." 

A figure to one side of them turned round and scowled. "Zayshul. You should be here with the 
commander," Chy'-qui said, trying to keep his voice low. "Leave the hostage with the guard." 

"I have to go," she murmured as she left his side. "Remember 
what I told you." 

The guard took him forward to stand in the open in front of the priest. Memories of his imprisonment 
were beginning to drift back. Hadn't J'koshuk tried to stop one of the Primes from beating him? 

Frowning, he looked across the open space at the group of armored figures opposite. Sholans. Some he 
knew. Was that Carrie? It must be. She'd been on the ship with Kaid, and he was here. He could see 
him now, talking to one of the Primes. The priest had said Carrie and Kaid were safe, but she hadn't 
been. Then he saw the sand-colored Val-tegan at the end of their line. He recognized him instantly. 
Zsurtul—the one who'd beaten and tortured him. 

Slowly at first,"his anger began to build. His pelt was starting to rise, bushing out around his neck and 
shoulders, making his hair stand away from his scalp. A draft of air from behind brought a scent to him, a 
scent he knew only too well. The priest's. J'koshuk had wanted information about Carrie, information 
he'd tried to keep from him despite 
the beatings. He frowned as another memory contradicted 
this one. 
How could it have been the priest? It was the one standing with his people, Zsurtul, who'd done that. 
Those memories of being repeatedly struck by Zsurtul's hands were so clear. But scents didn't lie, and 
the scent that filled his nostrils when he remembered the pain came from behind him, not in front. 


He was confused, and his head had begun to hurt. He shook it, hearing her voice again. What had she 
said? Remember. 
Remember to… Fight. He was to fight. Fight what? Or was it who? Frustrated, anger 
surged through him again, and as the hair on his spine began to rise, he began to sway his tail in short, 
infuriated arcs. As the guard jerked him forward, pain lanced through his head, making him shake it 
again. 

He was confused, and his head had begun to hurt. He shook it, hearing her voice again. What had she 
said? Remember. 
Remember to… Fight. He was to fight. Fight what? Or was it who? Frustrated, anger 
surged through him again, and as the hair on his spine began to rise, he began to sway his tail in short, 
infuriated arcs. As the guard jerked him forward, pain lanced through his head, making him shake it 
again. 

Stopping dead, he saw Zsurtul coming toward him, just as he'd done many times before in his cell. Pain 
had always accompanied him, and the priest. What was it about the priest? Bracing his legs, he tried to 
sink his claws into the deck, refusing to move any farther. He needed to work this out right now. It had 
been the priest who'd demanded information about Carrie, who'd known her sister. But the voice had 
said the priest had tried to protect him—the same voice that told him that Zsurtul had been his torturer. 
Again the pain stabbed him, this time at the side of his neck. He put his hand up to it, feeling the shaved 
area and the edge of the implant. He began to growl deep down in his throat. 

"What the hell's up with Kusac?" muttered Rezac. "He looks like he's ready for a Challenge." 

"Something's gotten to him for sure," said T'Chebbi. "That's no way to get free. He knows better." 

"I'm getting nothing," said Carrie, clutching her rifle tighter as Kusac began to growl. "What's wrong with 
his neck? Why's he touching it?" 

The implant, sent Brynne. He's touching the implant. 

Dzaou's getting damned twitchy, sent Rezac. 

Watch him. Don't let them interfere, ordered Kaid. Brynne, see if you can reach Kusac. Find out 
what's wrong. 

Kusac's arm was jerked again. This time, he turned on the guard, tail lashing, snarling his fury. "Don't pull 
me!" 

Zsurtul was getting closer. He could see his features now. Hate and anger combined in Kusac in a deadly 
mixture. He wanted to sink his claws in him, rip him to shreds. Beyond the Valtegan he caught sight of 
Carrie, knew by the way she stood she was afraid. The priest, she was afraid of the priest. He looked 
back, searching for J'koshuk amid the Primes, finding him standing on the edge of the Se-niormosts. The 
memory of Carrie's cry for help echoed through his mind, and he felt again his impotent hatred and fear of 
what the priest was about to do to his mate. 

"Carrie! Not Carrie!" he howled, twisting himself free from the guard and flinging him aside. Stumbling, 
Kusac caromed off the Prince, then staggered a few steps till he righted himself. Zsurtul's scent was in his 
nostrils now. He didn't know him, had never met him. It was J'koshuk he wanted. He'd raped Carrie. 
Oblivious to the Valtegan pistols 
aimed at him, he spun round, his predator's instinct finding the priest 
again instantly. 

Chy'qui had watched Kusac become more and more agitated 
as he was led out for the exchange. 
Everything had been going as planned: all eyes were on Kusac and the Prince, no one noticed J'koshuk 
surreptitiously using his wrist control. 


The Sholan had suddenly called out the name of the Human female and broken free from the guard with 
such force he'd spun into the Prince. Then, instead of attacking Zsurtul, Kusac had turned away. Chy'qui 
knew his plan was beginning to go very wrong. 

The Sholan had suddenly called out the name of the Human female and broken free from the guard with 
such force he'd spun into the Prince. Then, instead of attacking Zsurtul, Kusac had turned away. Chy'qui 
knew his plan was beginning to go very wrong. 
. 
J'koshuk began to back away from the Primes' group, fear written all over his face and scenting the air. 
The memory of Carrie's mental cry was still there, as was Kaid's presence. And more—the gestalt. 


Kusac felt it whisper at the edges of his mind. 
The priest had turned, was begining to run for the shuttle. 
Kusac's vision narrowed as he targeted J'koshuk. He saw nothing but him, smelled only his scent. The 


blood roared in his ears, his head pounded with pain. Reaching within his mind, he grasped the memory 
of the Link and then beyond, finding not only the web of six, but the gestalt. 

Behind him, the fallen guard rose, pulling out his sidearm 
Zayshul cried out in fear, clutching at Chy'qui, demanding 
he do something. Chy'qui pressed frantically at 
his control pad, trying to shut the guard down. He couldn't allow the Sholan to be shot in the back, not 
while there was still a chance he'd turn on Zsurtul. The guard stiffened, then dropped to the deck. 

He's gone feral, Kaid! Carrie sent. What the hell's happening 
to him? 
I don't know! He was on the verge of going kzu-shu, and the Prince was within feet of him. Brynne? 
Nothing. He's too tightly blocked. Is he being controlled? 


Then Kaid felt his mind grasped, whirled in with Carrie's and their web as, in front of his disbelieving 
eyes, the priest stopped dead in his tracks. The web shattered as energy was ripped from their minds, 
and later, Kaid swore he actually 
saw a bolt of pure energy hit the priest full in the back. 

"Burn in hell, you nest-raiding lizard!" Kusac yelled. 

J'koshuk fell like a stone and the air began to reek of scorched flesh. Above his body, a small cloud of 
smoke hung in the still air. 

Somehow, Chy'qui realized, Kusac had managed to break through the drugs and conditioning. How? 
Had he forgotten 
something? In a flash of understanding it came to him. The female, he'd forgotten that 
J'koshuk had raped the female. That was what had angered the Sholan far more than the torture! 

He heard Kusac shouting, then watched as a pulse of energy hit the priest's back, knocking him to the 
ground. How, in the name of all that was holy, had he done that? Had he gotten hold of a firearm from 
somewhere? 

"The guards! Stop the guards!" Zayshul shouted. 

"Do it!" Q'ozoi snapped. "We can't risk the Prince!" 

Cursing, Chy'qui entered the override code that deactivated 
all the guards as Kusac took a staggering 
step toward the Prince. Now he was praying the Sholan wouldn't attack 
Zsurtul. 

Still shocked by what had happened to the priest, Kaid watched disbelievingly as the Prime guards 
suddenly all fell to the deck. "What the hell's going on?" he demanded. 


Too stunned to react, they all, Sholans and Valtegans, stood and watched as Kusac spun round to face 
the Prince. His hands went up to his neck, clawing at the implant as, snarling, he took a staggering step 
toward him. 

Too stunned to react, they all, Sholans and Valtegans, stood and watched as Kusac spun round to face 
the Prince. His hands went up to his neck, clawing at the implant as, snarling, he took a staggering step 
toward him. 

Kaid heard the whine of a single shot and Kusac suddenly 
collapsed at Prince Zsurtul's feet. The sound 
of a gun hitting the deck echoed through the landing bay, shattering the unnatural silence. 

"Get the Prince back to his people now!" yelled Carrie, her voice breaking. 

Banner was the first to move, running out to grasp hold of the Prince. Dragging him forward, he thrust 
him into the heart of the group of Valtegans. Then, with a glance at J'koshuk's body, he sprinted back to 
the safety of his own side. 

Kaid could sense nothing from Carrie. Her mind had gone as numb as he'd been moments earlier. He 
heard the guns powering up around him and spun round. The Sholan camp had split into two factions, 
with his people turning their weapons on Dzaou's, and Dzaou's aimed at the Primes. 

"Hold fire!" he roared. "What the hell do you think you're doing? We've a Brother down! Get the medics 
out to him, fast! The rest of you, power down and about face! Immediately!" 

After a moment of hesitation, Dzaou dropped his rifle, then the others of his unit followed. Satisfied, Kaid 
turned back to the Valtegans. 

The Seniormosts stood in a confused and vulnerable clump, staring at the Sholans in fear. He needed to 
do something now to retrieve the situation. "Take command, T'Chebbi," he ordered. "Rezac, with me." 

"Aye, sir," she said crisply. 

Grasping Carrie's arm and pulling her close to his side, he strode out across the open area toward the 
Primes. As they passed where Kusac lay, hidden by medics, she tried to stop, but he pulled her on, 
thanking Vartra that they'd had the sense to surround him. 

"I shot him," she moaned. "I can't believe I shot him!" 

You did what I couldn't do, you saved his life! We've got work to do, Carrie, he sent. So have they. 
I need your help to read the Primes. 

Zayshul slowly backed away from where her people were huddled together. Everyone's attention was on 
the approaching 
Sholan and Human. With luck, her actions would go unnoticed. A shiver of fear ran 
through her as she recognized 
the Sholan male. He was the one who'd almost shot her when they were 
escaping. She prayed he wouldn't see her now, but she had to get to J'koshuk's body. 

She'd seen him backing off from the main group, just as she was doing now, and fiddling with his wrist. 
There was only one explanation for his behavior and Kusac's aggressiveness—
he was using a control 
unit on the Sholan. And the person who'd shown him how to use one, whose assistant 
he was, was 
Chy'qui. 

The Valtegans with sidearms pulled them out, aiming at them as they approached. Kaid ignored them, 
pushing them aside till he faced the commander. 


"Who ordered Kusac to be implanted?" he demanded. "He's being controlled by one of you through that 


device on his neck!" 
A female pushed forward to the front. "Not me," she said hastily as Kaid turned toward her. 
"Commander, I think I know who's behind this, and I believe I can prove it." She handed Q'ozoi a slim 
tape. "Someone searched my office last night. I believe it was for this. I took it from Kusac's room a 
couple of nights ago and didn't realize I still had it." 


Q'ozoi took it from her. "What is it?" he demanded, turning the tape over in his hands. 
"Kusac's sleep tape. I was called because his monitor alarm went off. His hormone levels were much 


higher than they should have been. I adjusted them and removed the tape. I think his tape was switched 
for this one." 
"What's the purpose of the tape?" demanded Kaid. Read them, Carrie! 
Zayshul turned to look at him. "We use them for healing. Soothing and uplifting sounds and images. 


They're used for learning as well." 
"Are you saying he could have been programmed to kill the Prince?" asked Q'ozoi. 
"It's possible, yes. The tape will prove it one way or another." 
"Who do you think is responsible?" 
"The only person in the area at the time was Doctor Chy'qui. He was treating J'koshuk in the next room, 


one with a door leading into Kusac's." She handed him something 
else. "And I found this on J'koshuk. A 
wrist control unit for the implants. Kusac was being controlled by him, that's why he was so aggressive." 
She's telling the truth, sent Carrie. The Prime backing off, near the shuttle, he's Chy'qui. 
Rezac, bring him here! ordered Kaid. 
Aye! 


"It's been melted," said Q'ozoi, looking at the control unit. "How did it get melted?" 


"J'koshuk was killed with some kind of energy weapon," said Zayshul, aware that the truth was quite 
different. "I saw the priest wearing and using this. It's what we use to control the guards when they're off 
the Kz'adul, Commander. 
J'koshuk is Chy'qui's assistant. He was doing the rounds of our M'zullians 
with him a few days ago. Chy'qui is the only one supposed to be using a unit here." 

They heard a scuffle breaking out by the shuttle and looked around to find Chy'qui being dragged toward 
them by Rezac. 

"Does this tape hold evidence of a plot against my life?" Zsurtul asked, his voice deceptively quiet. 

"I protest, Commander! This is a further Sholan violation of our neutrality!" said Chy'qui, trying to shake 
himself free of Rezac. "First they kill J'koshuk, and now they take violent hold of me." 

"Does this tape incriminate you?" the commander demanded. 

"It's nothing to do with me, Commander. Zayshul's been jealous since I came on board. The plot is hers 
to discredit 
me." 


"You took charge of the Med Research unit when you boarded this vessel at K'oish'ik," said Q'ozoi. 


"You were responsible for the actions of the priest and, I believe, for this attempt on Prince Zsurtul." 
"He's wearing a psi damper," Carrie said. "On his armor somewhere. Take it off him and I'll tell you if 
he's guilty." 


"Strip him," ordered the commander. "Psi damper?" 
"They suppress our telepathy," said Carrie. 
Q'ozoi shook his head. "We don't have anything like that." 
Carrie traded glances with Kaid. Chy'qui. He's the one who separated us. 
"While we were with you, our telepathic abilities were limited by a damper field outside the room, and on 


an individual basis," said Kaid. "I know I was given psi-inhibiting drugs and their antidotes several times." 
"Chy'qui ordered the drugs," said Zayshul. "I know nothing about the dampers." 
"When you get back to your ship, I suggested you look around the suite we were in. You'll find a damper 


unit somewhere," said Kaid. 


Chy'qui brazened it out, continuing to protest his innocence, 
but once he stood clad only in his fatigues, 
Carrie was able to get the information she wanted. 
"He's guilty. The tape has the evidence you need. He's also responsible for the death of someone in your 


computer section. Something to do with locked files." 
The commander handed Chy'qui's control unit to Zayshul. 
"Reactivate the guards, Doctor. Counselor 


Chy'qui has committed treason against your person, Prince Zsurtul. He'll be questioned tomorrow, but he 
must be returned to the City of Light to face Emperor Cheu'ko'h." 
Around them, the guards began to stir, getting to their feet. The sight unnerved Kaid. It was like watching 


toys receive new energy cells. They stood motionless, guns ready, waiting for fresh orders. 


"Secure Counselor Chy'qui so he doesn't escape," Q'ozoi ordered the nearest one. "Return him to the 
shuttle and remain with him." 
Rezac handed him over to the guard. 
"Fire!" yelled someone, pointing to the now thick cloud of smoke hanging above J'koshuk's body. 
As the Primes scattered, Kaid saw flames begin to lick at the edges of J'koshuk's clothing. The air began 


to reek with the stench of burning flesh. "I don't believe it," he murmured. "Kusac must have fried him 
from the inside out." 
Sholans with extinguishers rushed past them. 
"I need to see Kusac," said Carrie, beginning to move away from him. 
"No," he said, grasping hold of her wrist. "When he's been seen by the medics, I'll come with you." 
"Let me go," she said, squirming in his grip. "I need to see how badly I hurt him." 
"Dammit, I can't come with you now!" 



She broke free and headed off across the bay at a lope, slowed down by the weight of her armor. 

She broke free and headed off across the bay at a lope, slowed down by the weight of her armor. 

The physician looked up briefly as Carrie lumbered over. "Good shot. Took the head right off this little 
device and disabled it. You only just grazed his neck." 

Kusac was on a floater now, a drip attached to his arm. His tunic was spattered with blood. One medic 
was carefully 
swabbing more off the side of his neck while another—
Jurrel—was checking the implant, 
making sure the circuits weren't shorting. 

"How is he?" she asked the physician, trying to crouch down beside him. 

"Unconscious. He's high as a kite on epinephrin, but we're bringing him down now. For the rest, I won't 
know until I do a detailed analysis in sick bay, especially because of this implant. I don't even know what 
the hell it does." He stood up, taking her by the elbow and drawing her aside. "Get him ready to move," 
he said to Jurrel over his shoulder. 

She turned back, seeing Jurrel begin to fasten the restraints. 
"What are you doing?" she demanded. 
"Why are you tying him down like that? He's no danger to us!" 

Kaid arrived, taking in the situation immediately. He placed himself firmly between her and the floater as 
it rose up to a comfortable towing height. "Let them get on with their job, Carrie. We know he's had at 
least one set of seizures. If he has another on the way up to the sick bay, he could fall off the floater." 

How can you stay so calm about it all? she demanded. 

Because I have to. The situation's too explosive, Carrie. All our lives are at risk. This could still 
end in war. 

"He's waking," said Jurrel, looking over to Carrie. 

She pushed past the two males to Kusac's side. Pressing the release on the nearest wrist restraint, she 
took hold of his hand. 
"Lo, cub." His voice was a barely audible murmur. "Your aim's improved. Say thanks to T'Chebbi for 

me." 
"Kusac." Her voice broke and she couldn't continue. Instead 
she lifted his hand to her lips. 
"I've missed you so much," he whispered, his voice growing 
a little stronger. "My mind's been empty 


without you." The he saw Kaid. "Codes. You had to know if you gave him the codes." 


Kaid looked puzzled, then put his hand to Kusac's face, stroking the edge of his jawline with his thumb. 
"You just rest," he said. "You're safe with us now." 
"Asked me to tell you when I knew. Worked it out while I was with them. Ghezu." 
"That! Gods, it's not important now, Kusac." 
"Wanted Sholan approach codes. Gave them Haven's instead. 
Guess I got it right since you're here." He 


moved his hand, drawing Carrie's to his mouth, licking her palm gently. 



"You did it right, Kusac. Followed exactly what I told you," said Kaid. 


"There's a female doctor in danger…" Kusac began, trying to turn his head but Jurrel reached out and 
stopped him. 
"Don't move your head, Kusac. The implant's still live and unstable." 
"She's fine," said Kaid. "You got used in a plot to kill their prince, but they got the one responsible." 
"I've got to get him up to sick bay now," interrupted the physician. "This can wait, surely." 
Kusac flicked his ears in assent, squeezing Carrie's hand gently before letting it go and reaching for 


Kaid's. "Look after her. At least I got J'koshuk." His speech was becoming 
slurred now, and his eyes 
began to flicker upward. 
Kaid pulled Carrie back. "Let them take him now," he said, swinging her well away from him. 
"What is it?" she asked, panic in her voice as she tried to look over her shoulder. 
He prevented her. "He's having a seizure. You do not want to see it, and you'd only be in the way." 


She looked at him, eyes wide with fear. "I've got to go with him." 
He took her by the shoulders, looking into her face. "If you go up to the sick bay, you'll have to go alone. 
I can't spare anyone from here. They'll leave you sitting outside, on your own, possibly for hours. You'll 
worry, and I'll worry for both of you when I should be concentrating on these Primes. Or you can stay 
and help me. You're not the only one capable of reading a Valtegan mind, Rezac can, but I'd rather it 
were you, no offense to Rezac. We can lose ourselves in our work and support each other while we wait 
for news. Now, what are you going to do?" 


"I'll stay," she said quietly, knowing he was right. Kaid was all that had kept her going since she'd first 
thought that Kusac was dead. She needed him no less now they knew he was alive. And she could feel 
that Kaid needed her just as much. 


He held her close, lowering his head so he could rest his cheek against hers. "Well done. I'm proud of 


you, and so will Kusac be when he wakes." 
Footsteps made them turn round. Approaching them was the female doctor they'd talked to a few 
minutes earlier. 


"The commander asked me to come and see how Kusac is," she said. 


There was a familiarity about her voice and scent that they both recognized. "You're the one we took 
along with Zsurtul," said Kaid. "Why did you lie to your commander about the energy pistol?" 
"I didn't want to cause trouble for Kusac," she said, looking away from him for a moment. "However he 


managed 
to do that, I know he wouldn't use it indiscriminately." 
"He's convulsing, maybe because I shot the implant," said Carrie abruptly. 
Zayshul paled, turning several shades' lighter. "The implant 
controls his hormone production and the 


seizures," she said. "The TeLaxaudin physician has offered his help. They designed the implant, no one 
knows its workings better." 
"Why use a device meant for your people on him in the first place?" demanded Carrie. 



"It was all we had left to try. We don't know enough about your species to use much in the way of our 
drugs. We could have caused permanent damage." 

"It was all we had left to try. We don't know enough about your species to use much in the way of our 
drugs. We could have caused permanent damage." 

The female took a step back in shock at the anger directed 
at her. "It was not my decision, it was 
Chy'qui's, but it was, we think, done for the best reasons. I don't understand 
your anger." 

"I'm his mate, and his Leska—or was, till Chy'qui started experimenting on him!" She felt Kaid's 
restraining hand on her arm. 

She's not to blame, Carrie, he sent. "You said TeLaxau-din. You work with them?" asked Kaid. 

"They're our allies." 

"I'll pass your kind offer on to our medical section," said Kaid. "I must consult with my advisers now. 
We'll meet again in about half an hour, as I said." Call sick bay on your comm and tell the medic on 
duty to pass their offer of help on to the physician when they arrive. 

Carrie did as he asked while he excused them. They headed for the negotiating table, where the other 
Sholans on their team had taken up a position, realizing they'd been constantly shadowed by T'Chebbi, 
Rezac, and Dzaou. Kaid began unfastening his armor as soon as they reached it. 

"I'd prefer you suited," said L'Seuli from his chair. "One casualty is enough. How is Kusac?" 

"Send for some drinks for us," Kaid ordered a passing Brother. "I don't know," he said shortly. "L'Seuli, 
do you honestly think that if they didn't shoot us during that chaos, they're going to shoot us now?" 

L'Seuli looked round the others, waving them away with an abrupt gesture. A muted chorus of grumbles 
met his command but they complied, stopping out of earshot. 

"Kaid, Father Lijou gave me advice about dealing with you. I wish to the Gods someone had given you 
some about dealing with me!" 

"What did I do?" he asked, looking up from the lock he was unfastening on his side. "Oh, chain of 
command and all that. Sorry. Got a lot on my mind right now." He sniffed the air. "Gods, but it stinks of 
burnt lizard!" 

Carrie pulled off her gloves, then reached out to help him. 

"They're going to flush the hangar's air supply as soon as the Primes have allowed us to dispose of the 
body. You'll remain in your suit, Carrie," L'Seuli warned her with a frown. 

Do it, Dzinae, he's right, sent Kaid as she supported the chest pieces till he got his arms pulled free. He 
sat down carefully, pulling first his tail then his leg out. "Glad you sent them off, L'Seuli. I've got news for 
you. How well briefed are you on the Jalna treaties?" 

"Fully. Why?" 

Kaid pulled his other leg free, dropping the suit on the floor with relief. "Never could stand suits. The 
spaceport on Jalna was built mainly by the efforts of the Jalnians and three alien species, we were told. 
I'm betting there were four, and that the original idea came from the fourth un-mentioned species." 

"The Primes," said Carrie, pulling up a seat. "Zsurtul said they'd done something for the Jalnians but 
refused to go into any details." She was trying hard to keep her mind off what was happening to Kusac. 


"What draws you to that conclusion?" 

"What draws you to that conclusion?" 

"Their lack of a warrior line," said L'Seuli. "You're telling 
me that the TeLaxaudin are allied with the 
Primes?" 

"Yes. Had we realized it, Giyesh, from Tirak's crew, actually 
saw one when she was abducted with 
Jeran. Their doctor has just offered us TeLaxaudin help for Kusac. They designed the implant for the 
Valtegans." 

"We could already be allied to the TeLaxaudin," said L'Seuli thoughtfully. "I need to call Stronghold as 
soon as possible. It doesn't mean we're allies of the Primes, though." 

"No, but it could frighten them. Here we are, the only species to have ever beaten them, and suddenly we 
turn up in their private little trading post in pursuit of Valtegans who have destroyed two of our colony 
worlds. Valtegans that scare them spitless because they aren't capable of defending 
themselves." 

"Then you believe this story about needing warriors." 

"I do. Did you see them out there? The minute they thought their guards were about to shoot Kusac, they 
dropped them to the deck. They've no idea of tactics, either defensive or offensive. And that's the crew 
of a vessel knowing it's coming to make a treaty with us, the fearsome telepathic warriors." 

"That's why they want Kezule and the M'zullians. To breed their own warriors," said Carrie. 

"Exactly. With what Vanna knows about our genetics, if we do get involved with the Primes, we could 
possibly guide them, influence them so they don't end up with psychotic warriors like the M'zullians." 

"A pact with the devil," murmured Carrie. 

"Why say that?" asked Kaid sharply. 

"We have a saying, better the devil you know, than the devil you don't. Seems to me that we're forgetting 
just what the Primes did to us, especially to Kusac." And your conviction 
they're breeding us, she 
added mentally. 

"I'm not. I think Kusac's treatment was an exception, due to Chy'qui and J'koshuk. As for the rest, we 
may never know the full truth of the matter, unless they let us probe Chy'qui. At least we can sit down 
and talk to these Valteg-ans, Carrie," said Kaid. "The others were too busy trying to tear us limb from 
limb or commit suicide. That's a hell of a big difference. We need someone between us and them, 
someone the M'zullians will listen to, and so do the Primes. Given the right breeding and training, in time 
we could have a group of soldiers who can infiltrate M'zull, fight them from within as we did in the past." 

"If that assassination attempt's anything to go by, then not all of the Primes are in favor of a treaty," said 
L'Seuli. 


"Chy'qui is one of three advisers to the Emperor," said Carrie. "He disagreed with the treaty idea. I 
picked that up when we went over to find out about J'koshuk." 

"Chy'qui is one of three advisers to the Emperor," said Carrie. "He disagreed with the treaty idea. I 
picked that up when we went over to find out about J'koshuk." 

The Brother put the tray down and left. Kaid grabbed three mugs and began pouring. "I'm finished with 
my say. The others can come back unless you've anything more to add," he said, passing him the first 
mug. 

L'Seuli accepted it. "I know why Master Rhyaz appointed 
you and me to this mission," he said, sipping 
his c'shar. 

"Why's that?" asked Carrie, accepting her mug gratefully. 

"So I could learn that by the book is a good rule of thumb, but not necessarily useful when matters 
descend into chaos." 

"Depends on the book," said Kaid, sending to Brynne to tell them they could come back. 

"If it had been done by the book, I have a feeling this would have degenerated into a firefight." 

As the others settled around the table again and helped themselves to drinks, Kaid's wrist comm buzzed. 

"Get the TeLaxaudin up here if you can," was all the medic said. 

He looked at Carrie. "They want the TeLaxaudin," he said. "You stay here with Brynne. T'Chebbi, you're 
with me." Then he looked over at Dzaou. "You come, too." 

Carrie watched them head for the Prime shuttle. In her hands the mug of c'shar began to shake slightly as 
reaction set in. 

"Kusac will pull through, I'm sure of it," said Brynne, wincing as he leaned forward to pat her shoulder. 
"He managed to link into our mental web and take energy from us, as well as control the gestalt. His 
mind's obviously Okay and the wound was minimal." 

"I don't have any experience of this gestalt," said Vriuzu, "but to take so much power into himself, there 
could be a backlash effect. He could have burned himself out." 

"I really needed to hear that," said Carrie, putting the mug down. "We've done it before. At least," she 
amended, "I have. Back on the Khalossa. And what I know, he knows." 

"He looks a strong male," said Zhiko encouragingly. 

"That helps a lot in recovery. Don't listen to him, he knows nothing of Leskas and Triads, only you do. 
They've got more chance of helping him now the people who designed the implant are involved. I think 
this is good news, not bad." 

Carrie smiled over at her. "Thanks. I hope you're right." She turned back to watch the shuttle. As she 
did, she felt something damp and furry nuzzle her hand. With an exclamation 
of shock, she looked round 
to find Belle crouched on the table. "A jegget!" 


"Not another," said Rezac. 

"Not another," said Rezac. 

"Kris has one. Better keep them apart, his is male. We'll be snowed under by the damned animals in a 
couple of months if you don't!" 

Picking her up, Carrie turned back to watch Kaid, taking comfort from holding the small, purring 
creature. 

Kaid spoke to the guard outside, then waited. A few minutes later, a bronze-limbed TeLaxaudin, 
resplendent in pastel-colored gauze strips emerged. In an almost hesitant, rocking gait, it stalked beside 
the Sholans as they headed back toward them. Before they reached it, however, the elevator opened to 
disgorge a Cabbaran moving at a speed she'd not thought possible. 

Past the end of their table he went, making the Sholans leap up in an effort to stop him. Dodging them 
nimbly, he came to an abrupt stop in front of the TeLaxaudin. Rearing up on his hind legs, he burst into 
rapid speech which his translator began to render in U'Churian as Kaid ordered his people to leave 
Annuur alone. 

"You come to aid the injured ally. New, they are. Good ones. We help you." 

The TeLaxaudin cocked its oval head on one side, mandibles 
flicking as it listened carefully. Then it 
made a gesture 
with its hands and resumed walking. 

"Useful is Cabbaran helping always. Come," he said. 

Kaid ordered T'Chebbi and Dzaou to accompany them up to the sick bay and returned to the table. He 
could feel Dzaou's resentment and anger simmering just below the surface, and his fear that the telepaths 
would pick up his reluctance and report him to the commander. Kaid sighed. It wasn't so much what 
Dzaou thought but what he did that mattered. He needed to stay out of sleep for longer this tour and 
really get to understand both the Sholan and Human telepaths. 

"Today is just full of surprises," murmured L'Seuli. 

"Female doctor's on her way over again," said Ngio, ears flicking in the direction of the shuttle. 

Zayshul was, indeed, running toward them. She stopped a few feet away. "Let the Cabbarans help 
Kzizysus. If I'd thought about it, I could maybe have done more, and Ku-sac's injury wouldn't have had 
to happen." 

"Excuse me?" said Kaid. 

"The Cabbarans are the only species that can understand the TeLaxaudin properly. Something to do with 
their language 
being more versatile. Trying to explain exactly what you want to them can be a problem. 
If they can even neutralize 
the unit, remove the surface panel, this would be very good. Then his own 
system would take over again, I think." 

"Thank you," said Carrie. 

She smiled, then saw the jegget in Carrie's arms. "Oh!" she said, impulsively reaching out to touch her. 
"How lovely!" 


Belle stretched out her long neck, offering it to be stroked as she continued to purr gently. 


"Would you like a drink?" asked Kaid, indicating the mugs and the jug. "It's safe. Kezule has had some 
and survived it." 
Zayshul hesitated, glancing back to the shuttle. "Yes, I would," she said firmly. 
Just before the half hour was up, Kaid escorted Zayshul over to the elevator to wait for Dzaou and Zhiko 


to bring Kezule down from sick bay. 
"How, exactly, was the general injured?" she asked. 
"He took powdered la'quo resin in an attempt to return to his own time," said Kaid. 
"Time traveling." She shook her head. "And killing J'koshuk from a distance. It's hardly credible. Your 


people have very strange mental abilities." 


"Kezule's the one who discovered the trick. He stirred up one of the desert nomads in our time until he 
believed Kezule was his deity and his mission was to destroy all telepaths." 
The elevator doors opened, and Zhiko emerged, towing a floater bearing the still unconscious form of 


Kezule. They stopped just in front of the Valtegan Prime physician. 


Quickly and efficiently, Zayshul examined him with her hand scanner, finally checking the fluid drip 
attached to him. 
"He's been in that coma state for four days," said Kaid. "We've given him no treatment but the fluids. 


Like you, we don't know enough about your species to do much more." He was seeing Kezule through 


her eyes, giving him a unique perspective of the person he'd known briefly only as an adversary. 
Kezule was not as old as they'd thought, but he was just past his physical prime. Kaid could see the 
marks and lines of age on his face and hands, see the features that characterized 
him as an individual, 
subtleties a Sholan would take time to notice—the angle of the jaw, the breadth of bone around the eye 
sockets, the shape of the mouth. 


Zayshul looked up at him. "He is, indeed, General Kezule. 
He was a junior member of the royal line of 
the late— very late—Emperor Q'emgo'h." 


"Another lost royal?" he murmured. "A little careless, aren't they, of their safety?" 
"You make a joke?" she asked, her wide mouth twitching at the corners. "He may not be injured. This 
state is like a laalgo trance." 


"He did that a couple of times in captivity," said Kaid. "What is it?" 
"Warriors are different from us, you must understand. They evolved to fight, therefore they have the 


capacity to heal themselves faster than us, and to take a long sleep-to let much time pass until the danger 
is gone." 
"Useful, but surely you all have that ability?" 
She hesitated briefly. "That's true, but not the same ability 
to heal that the warriors had. He will be^an 


interesting person to study. His line was a combination of the best of the warriors and the intellectuals of 
his day." 



As she said this, he was aware that her interest was not purely professional. "Be careful in your research," 


he said. 
"He's also from a time when females were thought feral and never seen outside the breeding grounds. 
One of our female medics was almost killed by him when he arrived. He doesn't tolerate females easily." 


"I'll be careful," she said, beckoning to the Prime guards waiting a little distance away. "Take him to the 
shuttle and guard him closely. Don't let Chy'qui near him," she added. "Then return the floater." She 
began to follow them. "I'll tell Commander Q'ozoi we're ready to begin the talks." 


Kaid reached out to detain her. "You plan to breed from the M'zullians and Kezule," he said. "Could 
Chy'qui have been trying to do that with us?" 
"No, absolutely not," she said, obviously startled by his question. "Why would you think that?" 


"Only the telepaths were taken from our quarters to be medically examined and tested." 
"Yes, we tested you, but nothing was taken that could be used for breeding! For that we'd need females 
of your kind living with us." 


"Just check, if you will. I don't trust anything that Chy'qui 
did to us or Kusac. My feelings are that part of 


the reason he implanted him was he hoped to keep him on the Kz'adul" 
"The commander wouldn't have allowed it," she said firmly. "I have said I'll check, and I will. You have 
my word." 


"Thank you," he said. 
Aware that Carrie couldn't settle down, he decided to send her up to the mess with Brynne as company. 
"His side is hurting," said Kaid. "He could do with the rest. So could you." 
"What about these talks?" she asked tiredly, rubbing the back of her neck. 
"Let me," he said, turning her around. He reached his thumbs down inside the neck of her armor, 


beginning on what he could reach of her shoulders. 
He could feel her start to relax almost immediately. "Rezac can read them for me. You need to unwind." 
"You always could turn me to mush," she murmured, leaning back against him. "I used to look forward to 


the massages you gave me back when I was recovering after the Challenge." 
"I viewed them with more mixed feelings," he said quietly, 
remembering those sessions for himself. "I 


can't tell you how many times I almost told you how I felt about you. And you lay there, purring and 
reciting relaxation litanies." 
He shook his head. "I needed all my self-control, believe me." 
"What makes you think I didn't know?" she asked. "I used to tease you. Remember?" 
On her neck, his touch stilled briefly, then became a caress. 
"So you did," he said as he resumed his 


massage. 
"That's when I decided to choose you as our Third." 
"Because of my massages?" he asked lightly, turning her round again while keeping one hand against her 


neck. 



"No. Because when you touched me, I knew you didn't just want me, you really cared." 
"My touch gave me away?" 
"It still does," she smiled, putting her hand over his. 
"S'cuse me, boss," said Brynne, from where he waited by the table. "But it's time for us to leave. The 


Primes are on their way over." 
Kaid nodded. "Send to me as soon as there's any news about Kusac," he said to Carrie. "When you've 


eaten, try and get some rest. Our room's almost opposite sick bay, they'll come and wake you." Brynne, 
you and Keeza look after her till I send a relief up. 
Of course, replied Brynne, putting an arm round Carrie's shoulder as he walked her to the elevator. 
Kaid watched until the doors closed behind them, then took his place beside L'Seuli at the negotiating 


table. He remained standing as the Prime commander and his party approached. 
"Have you made a decision yet?" asked L'Seuli in an undertone. 
"I want to hear what they propose first," said Kaid. "But if we do make this treaty, we need to make it 


one of the conditions that the outposts remain our property, and the undisputed boundaries of our 
territory." 
"You believe they wer*1. Valtegan?" 
"I know they were." 
* * * 
Someone was shaking her. 
"Carrie, wake up. Kusac's awake. He's asking for you." 
It was Banner. "Kusac's awake?" she asked, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. 


"Yes. He wants to see you." 
"I'm coming." Someone had put a blanket over her, she realized. Throwing it back, she swung her legs to 
the floor, searching for her shoes. Slipping them on, she got to her feet, stumbling as she tried to navigate 
the darkened room. Banner caught hold of her. 


"I'm Okay. Just sleepy. Where's Kaid?" she asked, steadying herself against him for a moment. 


"Still talking to the Primes. They should be stopping for the night soon, though. Even they've got to sleep 
some time." 
Looking like he was still asleep, Kusac lay propped up in bed by a couple of pillows, the upper area of 


his neck swathed in bandages. Carrie could see from the bald patch just above the edge of the dressing 
that the physician had cut back even more of his hair. 
As the door closed behind her, he opened his eyes, mouth widening in a slow smile as he saw her. 
"How are you?" she asked, moving over to stand by his bed. 
"Better," he said, taking her hand. 



His voice sounded stronger, but she .noticed he kept his eyes hooded, not looking directly at her. She sat 
on the edge of the bed beside him. "The implant?" 

His voice sounded stronger, but she .noticed he kept his eyes hooded, not looking directly at her. She sat 
on the edge of the bed beside him. "The implant?" 

She could feel his fingers moving restlessly against her palm as he tried to link them between hers. "I had 
to…" she began in a rush, but he cut her short. 

"Thank you for stopping me," he said, his hand clenching over hers. "For saving my life. I'd have killed the 
Prince, too." 

"I didn't want to…" 

"Hush." His other arm reached round her waist, drawing her down till she lay against his chest. "You 
don't know how good it is to just hold you and breathe in your scent again," he said, his voice catching as 
he released her hand to hold her close within the circle of his arms. "I was afraid I'd never…" He 
stopped, unable to continue. 

"So was I," she whispered, sliding her hands under his back. "So very afraid." She felt light-headed with 
relief as she rubbed her cheek against his, feeling the softness of his pelt against her skin. 

His tongue touched her cheek in the way she remembered 
so well that instinctively she reached for his 
mind to share her pleasure. There was no response. It was as if he was mind-dead—unTalented. 

She started in shock, lifting her head to look at him. Catching his eyes this time, she could see the pain 
and fear in them. 

"Kiss me," he whispered, his arms tightening round her. He returned her kiss frantically, cupping the back 
of her head and neck in his hand, trying to hold her even closer. 

She could sense him, feel his fear that his Talent would never return, and that its loss would cost him her. 
Tears she was unable to stop ran down her cheeks as she pulled her hands free and held his face. "Never 
that! I can't live without you beside me!" she wept between kisses as frantic as his. 

He broke the kiss, taking her hands in his, urging her to rest her head on his shoulder. As he fought for 
self-control, she could feel him shaking, his heartbeat racing beneath her. "I have to tell you something," 
he whispered, his voice finally breaking. 

"Don't you know by now how much I love you?" she asked, desperate to reassure him. 

"Yes! I just can't feel you any more!" The words sounded like they'd been ripped from his soul. 

"It's not gone! You used it when you killed J'koshuk— we all felt you!" she said, trying to sit up. 

He held her tightly, keeping her where she was. "Listen to me! The implant's gone, but not what it's done 
to me. It's embedded bits of itself in me," he whispered, the words coming out singly between ragged 
breaths. "It was done purposely to isolate us from each other, to see what would happen. Then he 
realized we were a Triad. She, Zayshul, didn't know about me. Only you and Kaid. She and Zsurtul 
brought Kaid to you, saved your lives." He stopped, resting his head against hers as he tried to slow his 
breathing. 

"How do you know all this?" 

"Kaid told me." 


"You've spoken to Kaid already?" 

"You've spoken to Kaid already?" 

"Then you know we are a Triad, no matter what!" she said, pushing herself up against him till she could 
see his face. "Chy'qui didn't succeed in isolating us, Kusac, can't you see that? If he had, you'd be 
dead—maybe all of us would. But you're not." She touched his cheek, wiping away the tears they'd both 
shed. "Gods, Kusac, your Talent's 
still there somewhere, so's our Link, I know it is! Just give yourself 
time to heal." 

He searched her face and she could feel some of his fears begin to recede, replaced by a glimmer of 
hope. "Stay with me tonight. I don't want… I can't bear to be… alone." he said as she leaned forward to 
kiss him. 

"I promise I'll never leave you alone," she whispered, her heart breaking for him. 

EPILOGUE 

IN his cabin on the shuttle, Chy'qui heard a noise outside the door. As it slid open, he heard his steward 
exchanging pleasantries with the guard outside. 

"You're late," he snapped, sitting up and leaning against the wall behind his bed as the male entered 
carrying a tray of food. "It's bad enough that I've been locked in here for the last four hours without the 
food being delayed, too." 

"All in good time, Doctor," said the steward, walking toward the desk and putting the tray down. "Too 
much haste causes situations such as you find yourself in now. Your job was to procure samples from the 
telepaths, nothing 
more. Your experiments on the Sholan have put not only those, but all of us at risk." 
He turned round to face Chy'qui. "As for your ambitious personal attempt on Prince Zsurtul, what can I 
say? The Directorate is most displeased." 

Chy'qui frowned. "The samples as you call them, will enable the Directorate to breed these new hybrid 
telepaths. How else could they have been obtained? Perhaps it was naive of me to think I could keep the 
adult male, but the data I obtained from him is as unique as they are." 

"Granted, but you took unauthorized risks, Chy'qui. Time is still on our side. Once we've brought them to 
maturation, 
we will have years to study and experiment with these hybrids in the security and privacy of 
the City. There was no need to risk everything by putting an implant in the male and keeping him separate 
from his partners. And allowing the priest to question him was sheer folly." 

"I had to find out if I'd managed to suppress his telepathic 
ability and isolate him totally from the other 
two. For that I needed J'koshuk. You know that the telepath Leska pairs have a physical transference of 
injuries and symptoms between them. How else could I test my work? As for the plot against Zsurtul, 
that was none of my doing, as I've already said. It was Doctor Zayshul. Her resentment of me is well 
known." 

"That's why she's at the treaty table and you're in here?" The tone was rich with sarcasm. 

"My staff will back me up," said Chy'qui. "If the Directorate 
think I'm going to resign, they're mistaken." 

"Oh, the Directorate don't want you to resign," said the steward softly, reaching into the top pocket of his 
white coveralls. "They expect you to terminate yourself before the commander calls on the Sholan 
telepaths to probe your mind for evidence of your assassination attempt on the Prince. You know too 


much about us, Chy'qui. You're a security risk." 
Chy'qui laughed nervously. "Q'ozoi wouldn't authorize that! It would be their word against mine." 
"He's already taken their word against yours. That's why you're here." The steward held out his hand, 


opening it to display the three gel capsules lying in his palm. "Quick-acting and painless." 


"You're joking!" Chy'qui said, getting up from the bed to stand as far away from the steward as possible. 
"I've no intention of taking them. I can prove my innocence easily!" 
"You have until I return for the tray to take them." He put the capsules down on the bed. "If you have 


not…" He shrugged. 


"But the work I've done for the Directorate! You said yourself that the specimens were valuable! That 
surely counts for something!" blustered Chy'qui. 
"You're quite right. I forgot to thank you. How remiss of me." He turned away toward the door but 


Chy'qui lunged forward to grab him by the arm. 
"You can intercede for me! Tell them I'm innocent of the charges and can prove it!" 
The steward brushed Chy'qui's hands away. "I think not. You've caused us to be responsible for the 


deaths of two of the crew already. Making sure the blame for that lies at your door wasn't easy. We 
haven't the stomach for taking any more innocent lives. We're trying to protect our species." 

Chy'qui felt a sudden sharp prick on his hand. Surprised, he stood looking at it as his sight began to blur. 
"You've become an embarrassment to us, Chy'qui," he heard the steward say, as if from a great distance. 
"And don't bother with the pills, they won't be necessary now."